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

"We could predict carcass locations with an impressive 92 percent probability and so demonstrated that a system which combines vulture behaviour, animal tags and AI is very useful for large-scale monitoring of animal mortality," says Aschenborn.

From Science Daily

For the investigation of mammalian species communities and ecosystems it is therefore important to systematically record and analyse these regular and exceptional cases of mortality.

From Science Daily

Black women in California have suffered a maternal mortality rate more than three times that of white women in the state.

From Los Angeles Times

My Brain Tumour And Me - Glenn Campbell faces down his mortality and considers what matters most in life.

From BBC

I’ve found that more overwhelming and humbling than being confronted with my own mortality.

From BBC

Related Words

• fatality