diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

-əg-

plural diagnoses ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

-əg-

1

a

: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b

: the decision reached by diagnosis

the doctor's diagnosis

2

a

: investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem

diagnosis of engine trouble

b

: a statement or conclusion from such an analysis

3

biology : a concise technical description of a taxon

Synonyms

• award
• call
• conclusion
• decision
• deliverance
• determination
• judgment
• judgement
• opinion
• resolution
• verdict

Examples of diagnosis in a Sentence

The unusual combination of symptoms made accurate diagnosis difficult.

She is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

The diagnosis was a mild concussion.

His doctor made an initial diagnosis of pneumonia.

The committee published its diagnosis of the problems affecting urban schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

Phil's Alzheimer's diagnosis was first made public on the Dec. 6 episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 26 May 2025

Perhaps one day, there will be a dementia panel blood test that can be sent off to provide early diagnosis of a wide range of dementias. —Mill Etienne, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Entertainment news and bloopers Billy Joel cancels all of his upcoming shows after revealing brain disorder diagnosis. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025

The average age at diagnosis is 69.23 Men are at higher risk. —Health, 24 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek diagnōsis, from diagignōskein to distinguish, from dia- + gignōskein to know — more at know

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing diagnosis

• diagnosis related group
• differential diagnosis

Rhymes for diagnosis

• acanthosis
• acidosis
• alkalosis
• amaurosis
• ankylosis
• asbestosis
• brucellosis
• cyanosis
• dermatosis
• ecchymosis
• exostosis
• fluorosis

Kids Definition

diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

plural diagnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz 

1

a

: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b

: the decision reached by diagnosis

2

a

: a careful study of something especially to determine its nature or importance

b

: the conclusion reached after a study or examination

Medical Definition

diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg- 

plural diagnoses -ˌsēz 

1

a

: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b

: the decision reached by diagnosis

a diagnosis of pneumonia

2

: a concise technical description of a taxon