prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s 

ˈprev-lən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being prevalent

2

: the degree to which something is prevalent

especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Synonyms

• commonness
• frequence
• frequency
• frequentness

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public

Recent Examples on the Web

Rates of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. children reached a record level in 2022, continuing a recent trend of increasing prevalence. —USA Today, 8 May 2025

Known for their style, versatility, and prevalence in the celebrity fashion world, classic black dresses are the epitome of an effortlessly fashionable warm-weather uniform — as far as we’re concerned, at least. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 6 May 2025

Kniffen calls Dick’s one of his top five retailers — and believes the prevalence of youth sports is bullish for the business. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 4 May 2025

The prevalence of migraines with aura in women may be as high as 10%, according to 2020 research. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prevalence

• benevolence
• malevolence
• seroprevalence

Kids Definition

prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s 

1

: the state of being prevalent

2

: the degree to which something is prevalent

especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s 

: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b