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
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
While official diagnosis rates are low, survey research suggests that up to 8% of women in the military may experience some form of eating disorder.
—
Noelle Wiehe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
The last time the two are believed to have seen each other in person was in February 2024, right after the King announced his cancer diagnosis.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 Aug. 2025
Previous research has shown that in the five to 10 years leading up to an MS diagnosis, people typically seek medical attention more frequently for headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, pain, gastrointestinal issues and psychiatric concerns, the researchers wrote.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Patients facing a fear-inducing diagnosis don't want to wait weeks for answers.
—Robin Shah, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diagnosis
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Noelle Wiehe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
The last time the two are believed to have seen each other in person was in February 2024, right after the King announced his cancer diagnosis.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 Aug. 2025
Previous research has shown that in the five to 10 years leading up to an MS diagnosis, people typically seek medical attention more frequently for headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, pain, gastrointestinal issues and psychiatric concerns, the researchers wrote.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Patients facing a fear-inducing diagnosis don't want to wait weeks for answers.
—Robin Shah, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for diagnosis
Cite this Entry
“Diagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnosis. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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