demographic

1 of 2

noun

dem·​o·​graph·​ic ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fik 

ˌdē-mə-

1

demographics plural : the statistical characteristics of human populations (such as age or income) used especially to identify markets

a change in the state's demographics

2

business : a market or segment of the population identified by demographics

trying to reach a younger demographic

demographic

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly demographical

ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fi-kəl 

ˌdē-mə-

1

: of or relating to demography or demographics

demographic data

2

sociology : relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density (see density sense 2c) and capacity for expansion or decline

demographic trends

a demographic shift

demographically

ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē 

ˌdē-mə-

adverb

Did you know?

Demographic analysis, the statistical description of human populations, is a tool used by government agencies, political parties, and manufacturers of consumer goods. Polls conducted on every topic imaginable, from age to toothpaste preference, give the government and corporations an idea of who the public is and what it needs and wants. The government's census, which is conducted every ten years, is the largest demographic survey of all. Today demographic is also being used as a noun; so, for example, TV advertisers are constantly worrying about how to appeal to "the 18-to-24-year-old demographic".

Examples of demographic in a Sentence

Noun

The town's demographics suggest that the restaurant will do well there.

The newspaper will be making some changes in order to adapt to the region's shifting demographics.

The demographics of the disease are changing, and we are seeing much younger people being affected by it.

Adjective

The demographic information shows that the population increased but the average income went down.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The demographics of the arrivals raised questions about F.S.B. involvement. —Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Not just the superficial data about buying habits and demographics, but truly know someone? —Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

Adjective

The same would apply if the romance industry began targeting men instead of their core demographic—women! —Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

Further, a 2023 Bloomberg survey found 79% of Gen Zers prefer iPhones over other smartphones, implying that Apple’s market share could grow more as that demographic gains earning power. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of demographic entry 2

Adjective

demography + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

demographic

adjective

de·​mo·​graph·​ic ˌdē-mə-ˈgraf-ik  ˌdem-ə- 

1

: of or relating to demography

2

: relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density and capacity for expansion or decline

demographically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb