What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
workup
Example
The doctor ordered a workup to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. [workup: noun]
Example
The team conducted a workup of the project to identify potential issues and solutions. [workup: verb]
diagnosis
Example
The doctor made a diagnosis of pneumonia based on the patient's chest x-ray and symptoms. [diagnosis: noun]
Example
The mechanic made a diagnosis of the car's engine problem after running some tests. [diagnosis: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diagnosis is more commonly used than workup in medical contexts and in everyday language. Diagnosis is a more specific and widely recognized term, while workup is less common and may be unfamiliar to some people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between workup and diagnosis?
Both workup and diagnosis are formal terms used in medical contexts. However, diagnosis is more commonly used and may be considered more formal than workup due to its specificity and widespread usage.