prevalence

[ prev-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. the condition of being prevalent, or widespread:

   The study examines the prevalence of profanity in video games.

2. the degree to which something is prevalent or widespread, especially a disease, disorder, or pathogen:

   The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising worldwide.

Other Words From

• non·prev·a·lence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevalence¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from French prévalence, from Latin praevalēntia, from praevalent-, stem of praevalēns (present participle of praevalēre “to be more able”) + -ia -y ³( def ); prevail ( def )

Example Sentences

Prevalence depends on context, and sometimes unique advantages outweigh the genetic costs.

From The Daily Beast

Part of the problem is that its prevalence was equally as fleeting as a smile itself.

From The Daily Beast

It highlights—and exaggerates—the prevalence of GMOs in other sections of your grocery store.

From The Daily Beast

First, the sample size is too small to determine the overall prevalence of harassment or assault.

From The Daily Beast

The third-most common type of primary headache, cluster headaches, has a prevalence of

From The Daily Beast

Eusebius, an eye-witness of the last persecution, states that innumerable multitudes suffered during its prevalence.

From Project Gutenberg

The previous winter had been remarkably mild, and after the prevalence of the March winds followed extreme heat.

From Project Gutenberg

The remarkable feature of the latter disease is its wide prevalence.

From Project Gutenberg

We are not aware of the prevalence of it until we go in search of it.

From Project Gutenberg

We did not know how to explain the prevalence of this impression.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pervasiveness
• popularity