prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnä-stə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an indication in advance : foretoken

2

a

: an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : forecast

b

: foreboding

Synonyms

• auguring
• augury
• bodement
• cast
• forecast
• forecasting
• foretelling
• predicting
• prediction
• presaging
• prognosis
• prognostic
• prognosticating
• prophecy
• prophesy
• soothsaying
• vaticination

Examples of prognostication in a Sentence

the complete fulfillment of his prognostication surprised even him

at the sight of the brooding mansion, her prognostications of ill fortune grew stronger

Recent Examples on the Web

Against these hopeful prognostications by many mainstream economists, however, the incoming Biden administration moved aggressively, proposing a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan even before coming into office. —Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025

From the effect of President Biden’s debate to the fallout from Trump’s criminal conviction, here’s a look at the very worst in prognostications this year. —Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024

A day when people from all walks of life set aside their differences and focus their undivided attention on the prognostication abilities of a subterranean rodent. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025

Sunday's joyous occasion was the 138th prognostication in Punxsutawney, located in Jefferson County. —Pilar Arias, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pronosticacioun, prognosticacyon "action of foretelling events, prediction, sign portending an event," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French pronosticacion, borrowed from Medieval Latin pronōsticātiōn-, pronōsticātiō (also with -g-) "forecast, prognosis," from prognōsticāre, pronōsticāre "to predict, forecast, portend" + Latin -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at prognosticate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən 

: forecast entry 2