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

Kreutzer was inspired to write Gentle Monster after reading an article about the undetected prevalence of predators, working on it in the immediate aftermath of that scandal. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

It is believed that the high prevalence of ticks this year is due to the sustained snow cover the state received over the winter, allowing more ticks to survive into the spring. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026

The less healthy participants had a higher body mass index and prevalence of stroke, and lower physical activity and educational attainment. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026

The disease's prevalence hit a low point in 1999, after Congress imposed strict limits on exposure to the coal mine dust that causes black lung. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 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