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
Some cars, Mostly General Motors vehicles with OnStar, can through predictive diagnoses tell when a car battery is low and in need of replacement.
—
Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
The diagnosis had affected the artist’s hearing, vision, and balance, making performing difficult.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
The brief appearance was Joel’s first time back on stage since last May’s news about his diagnosis; his last full concert took place in February 2025.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026
When a doctor says lupus is controlled, the next conversation can be just as important as the diagnosis itself.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnosis
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Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
The diagnosis had affected the artist’s hearing, vision, and balance, making performing difficult.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
The brief appearance was Joel’s first time back on stage since last May’s news about his diagnosis; his last full concert took place in February 2025.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026
When a doctor says lupus is controlled, the next conversation can be just as important as the diagnosis itself.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnosis
Cite this Entry
“Diagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnosis. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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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