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

Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%, By 2019, a dozen states had rates that high — and the number continued to climb. —Jonel Aleccia, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025

How prevalence is determined Clinicians diagnose ADHD based on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. —Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025

During the September news conference at the White House, claims were made about the prevalence of autism within the Amish community. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025

Retail trading has ballooned globally, as a combination of the bull run in some major markets, the prevalence of smartphone apps, and the meme stock phenomenon led more individuals to take up investing. —Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 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