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

North America was found to be dominating the international wave pools market due the prevalence of water parks, resorts and entertainment venues, paired with a high demand for immersive leisure attractions. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Additionally, the study found a higher prevalence of the APOE4 allele (30.8%) in participants, compared to the typical 20–25% seen in the general population, Chin said. —Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2025

The workplace is evolving, and one of the most fundamental shifts that is poised to revolutionize the economy is the prevalence of freelance workers. —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The territory and countries with the highest prevalence of antisemitic beliefs included the West Bank and Gaza, Kuwait and Indonesia. —John Towfighi, CNN, 14 Jan. 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