demographic

1 of 2

noun

dem·​o·​graph·​ic ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fik 

ˌdē-mə-

1

demographics plural : the statistical characteristics of human populations (such as age or income) used especially to identify markets

a change in the state's demographics

2

business : a market or segment of the population identified by demographics

trying to reach a younger demographic

demographic

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly demographical

ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fi-kəl 

ˌdē-mə-

1

: of or relating to demography or demographics

demographic data

2

sociology : relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density (see density sense 2c) and capacity for expansion or decline

demographic trends

a demographic shift

demographically

ˌde-mə-ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē 

ˌdē-mə-

adverb

Did you know?

Demographic analysis, the statistical description of human populations, is a tool used by government agencies, political parties, and manufacturers of consumer goods. Polls conducted on every topic imaginable, from age to toothpaste preference, give the government and corporations an idea of who the public is and what it needs and wants. The government's census, which is conducted every ten years, is the largest demographic survey of all. Today demographic is also being used as a noun; so, for example, TV advertisers are constantly worrying about how to appeal to "the 18-to-24-year-old demographic".

Examples of demographic in a Sentence

Noun

The town's demographics suggest that the restaurant will do well there.

The newspaper will be making some changes in order to adapt to the region's shifting demographics.

The demographics of the disease are changing, and we are seeing much younger people being affected by it.

Adjective

The demographic information shows that the population increased but the average income went down.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although the primary target of the 2024 campaign, employing at least 55 servers, appears to be the Tibetan and Uyghur communities, the threat could emerge as one used to attack a broader demographic. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

The main drivers of this trend are mass emigration, low birth rates and aging demographics. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Adjective

No singular demographic or style archetype is being catered to — Mima resonates with anyone drawn to creativity, risk and the thrill of the unknown. —WWD, 11 Dec. 2024

While Trump’s economic message generally transcended demographic barriers, gaps in education, socioeconomic status and media consumption marked voting trends in battleground states. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of demographic entry 2

Adjective

demography + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

demographic

adjective

de·​mo·​graph·​ic ˌdē-mə-ˈgraf-ik  ˌdem-ə- 

1

: of or relating to demography

2

: relating to the dynamic balance of a population especially with regard to density and capacity for expansion or decline

demographically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb