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

Despite the widespread prevalence of allergies, the available treatment options are limited. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024

The first study, conducted as part of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, looked at the prevalence of mental health conditions depicted within television shows and the context surrounding those portrayals. —Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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