incidence

noun

in·​ci·​dence ˈin(t)-sə-dən(t)s How to pronounce incidence (audio)
-ˌden(t)s
1
a
: rate of occurrence or influence
a high incidence of crime
b
: an act or the fact or manner of falling upon or affecting : occurrence
2
b
: the arrival of something (such as a projectile or a ray of light) at a surface

Did you know?

The words incident, incidence, and instance may seem similar (and, in fact, incident and incidence are closely related), but they are not used identically. In current use, incidence usually means "rate of occurrence" and is often qualified in some way ("a high incidence of diabetes"). Incident usually refers to a particular event, often something unusual or unpleasant ("many such incidents go unreported"). Instance suggests a particular occurrence that is offered as an example ("another instance of bureaucratic bumbling"); it can also be synonymous with case ("many instances in which the wrong form was submitted"). The plural incidences sometimes occurs in such contexts as "several recent incidences of crime," but this use is often criticized as incorrect.

Examples of incidence in a Sentence

an increased incidence of diabetes a high incidence of criminal behavior
Recent Examples on the Web According to the study, San Bernardino had the highest incidence of fatal accidents in the evening. The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2024 International research has revealed that Australia has a higher incidence of fatal shark bites, particularly in isolated regions where the risk of fatalities is significantly elevated. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial or ethnic group for most cancers and African American men have the highest incidences of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society's website. Journal Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2024 While some cases of cervical cancer were recorded in this group, the incidence (3.2 cases per 100,000 women) was two and a half times lower than among unvaccinated women (8.4 cases per 100,000 women). Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 25 Jan. 2024 Among women aged 20 to 24, cervical cancer incidence dropped by 65% from 2012 to 2019, according to a report released Wednesday from the American Cancer Society. Liz Szabo, NBC News, 20 Jan. 2024 Recent studies back this up: Over a 10-year time period, for every 100 persons, MPK results in 82 fewer major injurious falls, 62 fewer minor injurious falls, 16 fewer incidences of osteoarthritis and 11 lives saved. Jothy Rosenberg, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 According to an article recently published online, researchers found that while the incidence of Kawasaki Disease has increased among all age groups, the pace was significantly faster for those age 3 and older. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024 Due to the very low incidence and prevalence of cholera in the United States, cholera is an orphan indication in this country. Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incidence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of incidence was in 1626

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Dictionary Entries Near incidence

Cite this Entry

“Incidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incidence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incidence

noun
in·​ci·​dence ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s How to pronounce incidence (audio)
-sə-ˌden(t)s
1
2
: rate of occurrence
a high incidence of illness

Medical Definition

incidence

noun
1
b
: the arrival of something (as a ray of light) at a surface
2
a
: an act or the fact or manner of occurring or affecting
diseases of domestic incidenceScience
b
: rate of occurrence or influence
especially : the rate of occurrence of new cases of a particular disease in a population being studied compare prevalence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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