occurrence

[ uh-kur-uhns, uh-kuhr- ]

noun

1. the action, fact, or instance of occurring.
2. something that happens; event; incident:

   We were delayed by several unexpected occurrences.

   Synonyms: circumstance

occurrence

/ əˈkʌrəns /

noun

1. something that occurs; a happening; event
2. the act or an instance of occurring

   a crime of frequent occurrence

Other Words From

• oc·current adjective
• preoc·currence noun
• reoc·currence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of occurrence¹

1530–40; < Latin occurrent-, stem of occurrēns (present participle of occurrere “to run up to, run to meet”), from oc- (variant of ob- ; ob- ( def ) ) + currere “to run” + -ence; compare Medieval Latin occurrentia

Synonym Study

See event.

Example Sentences

“I wouldn’t say this is a highly uncommon occurrence,” the Fish and Wildlife officer said.

From Los Angeles Times

Many don't drive, a common occurrence in the hospitality sector.

From BBC

While there have been no credible claims of fraud contributing to Donald Trump’s victory on Tuesday, and the vote does not appear to have even been close, the election was marred by foreign interference, a commonplace occurrence in every U.S. election since 2016.

From Los Angeles Times

He has voted in favor of legislation that would threaten medical providers with prison time for failing to resuscitate infants born alive during an attempted abortion, an exceedingly rare occurrence.

From Los Angeles Times

“This discovery is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accident
• circumstance
• episode
• existence
• incidence
• incident
• instance
• manifestation
• situation