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

• commonness
• frequence
• frequency
• frequentness

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public

Recent Examples on the Web

For The 1st Time — At Lower Prices The Challenges Faced By Veterinary Professionals The fun event works to counteract a serious issue: the prevalence of suicide in the veterinary field. —Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Prostate cancer is the most common form in men, while stomach cancer leads in prevalence in women. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025

That has certainly contributed to the apparent increase in ASD prevalence overall. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

Though persistent post-pandemic office visit gaps point to the continued prevalence of hybrid work, March’s noticeable uptick suggests that offices may be poised to make further gains in the coming months. —Kevin Williams, Quartz, 18 Apr. 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