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

Studies have looked at the prevalence of microplastics in drinking water and in people’s hearts, brains and testicles. —ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

If microplastics are included in that update, the agency would be required to start collecting data about the prevalence of microplastics in drinking water. —Will Stone, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026

At the same time, the meme’s prevalence has prompted some members of the Chinese diaspora to push back. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 1 Apr. 2026

Almost half of Americans do not get enough magnesium from diet alone, per Mayo Clinic — which may help explain the prevalence of 3 AM wake-ups. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 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