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

While the DoJ had submitted inquiries to the company, Clover Health downplayed the issue, characterizing it as a regular occurrence in the industry that it did not consider material to its investors.

From Fortune

We can thank some combination of Oklahoma State and the NCAA for delivering the sort of subplot that has been a once-every-few-years occurrence.

From Washington Post

In an essay in August, when global covid-19 deaths stood at around 600,000, Bill Gates pointed out that climate change fatalities could reach that level by 2060—but as an annual occurrence.

From MIT Technology Review

Either we try to piece the world back together as it was before this catastrophic occurrence, or we can use this shared event as the founding moment of a unifying global narrative.

From Singularity Hub 

It’s a common occurrence that the agency has failed to address.

From ProPublica

Although often this is considered proof positive of guilt at trial, it is not an uncommon occurrence in false confessions.

From The Daily Beast

I had to pause for sheep crossing the road, which is a common occurrence when driving through the Highlands of Scotland.

From The Daily Beast

At one point Schettino admitted that bringing passengers up to the bridge was a common occurrence.

From The Daily Beast

On its eastern front, exchanges of fire with Pakistan are a daily occurrence.

From The Daily Beast

According to Monaghan, this was a very regular occurrence among the female soldiers stationed there.

From The Daily Beast

Several pioneers familiar with the facts of the tragedy at the time of its occurrence were also present.

From Project Gutenberg

Her feet felt rooted to the floor in the wonder and doubt of this strange occurrence.

From Project Gutenberg

In the outskirts of the city, skirmishes between Spanish troops and rebels were of frequent occurrence.

From Project Gutenberg

The formation of a new ministry was not an unusual occurrence in the early years of King George the Third.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt sure that the significance of the whole occurrence had lain in her own self-consciousness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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