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

Retail traders' role Part of the selloff can also be explained by the prevalence of small investors in Korea. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026

Those aged 18–34 experienced the fastest rise in CHS prevalence, with young adults, Hispanic individuals, Black individuals, and males having the overall highest 10-year prevalence. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

Now, to be clear, this is not prevalence data. —Michael Alvear, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026

The majority of people with Tourette syndrome do not have Coprolalia, with a prevalence of 10-33% of people, according to the National Library of Medicine. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 1 Mar. 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