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

Recognizing this challenge, Yale researchers sought to better understand the prevalence of antibiotic allergy labels among patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation, which patients are most likely to carry them, and how often those labels reflect true allergy. —Jordan Shaked, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026

While the prevalence of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is unknown, it was considered rare but seems to be on the rise, according to some studies. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026

In high-prevalence cities, about 32 percent of eligible heterosexual adults have heard of PrEP, but fewer than 1 percent report using it. —Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026

The nonprofit and nonpartisan institute began measuring the prevalence of Christian nationalism through such data in 2022. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 17 Feb. 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