Prevalence: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe how common or widespread something is within a specific area or group of people, often in the context of diseases or behaviors.

• The prevalence of diabetes in the elderly population is increasing
• The prevalence of smoking has decreased over the decades

Refers to how often something happens over a particular period of time. It is often used in everyday situations or scientific contexts.

• The frequency of bus service has increased to every 15 minutes
• Due to high frequency of exams, students are always stressed

Describes the fact of something happening, especially an event or incident. Often used in more formal or detailed descriptions.

• The occurrence of natural disasters has been on the rise due to climate change
• The occurrence of errors in the system has significantly decreased after the update

Focuses on the number of new cases of a disease or event in a specific period of time. Used mainly in medical, scientific, or statistical contexts.

• The incidence of flu cases peaks in winter
• There has been a higher incidence of car accidents in the area recently

Use this word when referring to how common or widespread something is, often in a statistical or medical context. It frequently appears in discussions about diseases, behaviors, or conditions.

• The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing over the past decade.
• Researchers are studying the prevalence of mental health issues among teenagers.

This word is suitable for highlighting how something spreads throughout or is present everywhere within a particular environment or group. It implies a degree of thoroughness and intensity.

• The pervasiveness of social media in modern life is undeniable.
• The pervasiveness of corruption in the organization shocked everyone.

Ideal for describing something that seems to be present everywhere at the same time. It often carries a slight connotation of inevitability or unavoidability.

• The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.
• The ubiquity of fast-food restaurants can be overwhelming in urban areas.

This is used to describe the large-scale distribution or occurrence of something across a wide area or among many people. It is usually neutral and straightforward.

• The widespreadness of the internet has changed the way we access information.
• There is a widespreadness of support for the new policy among the citizens.