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
Examples of prevalence in a Sentence
the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
Recent Examples on the Web
Regardless of the prevalence, finding ways to relieve the symptoms and decrease stress is essential.
—
Ashley Olivine, Ph.d., Mph, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
The shortage of housing stock is further compounded by the prevalence of seasonal and other secondary use homes in Vermont.
—Dan D’ambrosio, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
The drugmaker said that number is expected to rise because of an aging demographic and the increasing prevalence of diabetes, the leading cause of CKD and kidney failure.
—Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
Experts have attributed the global rise in autism prevalence in part to broader awareness and changes to how the disorder is classified and diagnosed.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevalence 
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Ashley Olivine, Ph.d., Mph, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
The shortage of housing stock is further compounded by the prevalence of seasonal and other secondary use homes in Vermont.
—Dan D’ambrosio, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
The drugmaker said that number is expected to rise because of an aging demographic and the increasing prevalence of diabetes, the leading cause of CKD and kidney failure.
—Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025
Experts have attributed the global rise in autism prevalence in part to broader awareness and changes to how the disorder is classified and diagnosed.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevalence
Dictionary Entries Near prevalence
Cite this Entry
“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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