diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
-əg-
plural diagnoses ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
-əg-
Synonyms of diagnosis
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 of diagnosis

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The affect of these books—brisk, unsentimental, exacting—serves their diagnosis. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 Advocates, such as the group Postpartum Support International, continue to push for postpartum psychosis to be listed as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 The 80-year-old, wearing a hat after a skin cancer diagnosis, insisted Brazil needs more of his policies. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 The journey begins in the clinic, where staff navigate immense administrative pressures and tight schedules, forming vital human connections while securing initial diagnoses and treatment plans. — Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diagnosis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of diagnosis was in 1634

Phrases Containing diagnosis

Rhymes for diagnosis

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Browse Nearby Words

diagnose
diagnosis
diagnosis related group
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Cite this Entry

“Diagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnosis. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

diagnosis

noun
di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
plural diagnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
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- How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
plural diagnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on diagnosis

Nglish: Translation of diagnosis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diagnosis

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