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 of prognostication

• 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

If anything, all the prognostication about it is being led by dread. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026

One prognostication, made by two University of Pittsburgh economists in the 1960s, stands out more than others. —Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026

The 98th Academy Awards, which came at the end of what felt like a particularly never-ending cycle of discourse and prognostication, did a good job making plenty of room to celebrate both movies sincerely. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

That prognostication now appears wildly optimistic. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026

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