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

• frequency
• occurrence
• frequence

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Summer Fridays are officially a thing of the past due the prevalence of remote work. —Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025

This explains the prevalence of Burmese markets along 35th Avenue, although there are other Burmese markets scattered throughout Phoenix, like Anwar Asian Mart in Maryvale. —Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025

While the women’s game continues to grow, it is still hampered by the prevalence of short-term contracts and a subsequent limited transfer market where a fee is paid. —Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

Addressing this gap can help reduce the prevalence of speedballing. —Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prevalence

• benevolence
• malevolence
• seroprevalence

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