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 of prevalence

• 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

The diverse challenges associated with the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events require an equally diverse repertoire of solutions. — Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

The prevalence and effectiveness of Moms for Liberty in relation to school board elections has been short-lived because the nature of culture war issues is cyclical, experts say. — Trinity Webster-Bass, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Its data shows that the prevalence cyclospora and other parasites has surged in the US over the past month, rising from less than 3% of tests in the second week of June to more than 18% in the past few days. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Conversely, in urban settings such as New York City, there is a higher prevalence of small cars due to the limited space for parking and travel. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

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