mortality

[ mawr-tal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural mor·tal·i·ties.

1. the state or condition of being subject to death; mortal character, nature, or existence.
2. the relative frequency of deaths in a specific population; death rate.
3. mortal beings collectively; humanity.
4. death or destruction on a large scale, as from war, plague, or famine.
5. Obsolete. death.

mortality

/ mɔːˈtælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being mortal
2. great loss of life, as in war or disaster
3. the number of deaths in a given period
4. mankind; humanity
5. an obsolete word for death

Word History and Origins

Origin of mortality¹

1300–50; Middle English mortalite < Middle French < Latin mortālitās. See mortal, -ity

Example Sentences

While roughly 18% of New Zealand's population consider themselves to be Māori, according to the most recent census, many remain disadvantaged compared with the general population when assessed through markers such as health outcomes, household income, education levels and incarceration and mortality rates.

From BBC

Even very low doses caused mortality.

From Los Angeles Times

Although California dairy farmers anticipated a bird flu mortality rate of less than 2%, some say between 10% and 15% of infected cattle are dying.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilder’s drama, offering a guided tour of an ordinary town going about its diurnal business, reminds us, through the inescapable shadow of mortality, of what we have in common.

From Los Angeles Times

Black mothers also shoulder a far greater burden of the maternal and infant mortality crisis.

From Salon

Related Words

• fatality