prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s 

ˈprev-lən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being prevalent

2

: the degree to which something is prevalent

especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Synonyms

• commonness
• frequence
• frequency
• frequentness

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public

Recent Examples on the Web

Protests followed in a number of Spanish cities, with demonstrators seeking to highlight the continued prevalence of a culture of misogyny in sport, as well as in wider Spanish society. —Jack Guy, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025

The new study found a higher prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, in people who took metformin. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Compared to the general population, adults with ADHD have a much higher prevalence of substance abuse, smoking, financial turmoil, unemployment, self-harm, poor sleeping habits, compulsive behaviors and housing instability. —New Atlas, 3 Feb. 2025

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes also rose 19% from 2012 to 2022. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s 

1

: the state of being prevalent

2

: the degree to which something is prevalent

especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s 

: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b