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

• prediction
• forecasting
• forecast
• predicting
• prophecy

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

Awards prognostication is similarly fuzzy too, although technical noms will be its strongest play. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 June 2025

Yet, despite all the pre-season prognostications, winning the division is no longer a fait accompli. —Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

That's been his forecast 108 times, compared to 21 for an early spring since his prognostications were recorded in 1887 (there are no records for 10 years). —Bill Chappell, NPR, 31 Jan. 2025

While the prognostication of learning from anywhere has not really panned out, the idea of learning at any time has been a big seller. —Derek Newton, Forbes.com, 28 May 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

Rhymes for prognostication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun

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

: forecast entry 2