prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
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

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His research aims to assess the prevalence, causes and policy impact of antiscience attitudes, and to devise strategic communication campaigns aimed at improving trust in science. Matt Motta, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2024 As a result of these concerns, AI could also increase the prevalence of synthetic data as a new market segment of digital identity. Jackie Shoback, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 OpenAI urged to address problem The prevalence of such hallucinations has led experts, advocates and former OpenAI employees to call for the federal government to consider AI regulations. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024 To compile the report, the medical journal The Lancet convened a commission on gambling consisting of 22 members from a dozen countries who reviewed existing studies and surveys on gambling’s prevalence, impacts and harms. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prevalence 

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalence was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near prevalence

Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
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 How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalence

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