# endemic

/ɛnˈdɛmɪk/ (US) · /ɛndˈɛmɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/endemic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. native to a place

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a plant or animal that lives naturally in only one specific area.

For teachers: native to or restricted to a certain country or area. Often used in biological contexts to describe species not found elsewhere.

- The kangaroo is endemic to Australia and cannot be found in the wild elsewhere.
- Conservationists are working to protect the endemic flora of the island, which evolved in isolation for millions of years.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun or after a linking verb like 'be'.

### 2. regularly found/prevalent

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

describes a disease or a social problem that is always present in a particular place or group.

For teachers: regularly found among particular people or in a certain area. In epidemiology, it refers to a disease that is constantly maintained at a baseline level in a geographic area.

- Malaria is endemic in some tropical regions where mosquitoes are common.
- Sociologists argue that corruption has become endemic within the local government, affecting every level of administration.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'in' or 'to'.

## Examples

- Malaria is endemic in many tropical regions.
- The health department monitors endemic diseases to ensure they do not spike into full-scale outbreaks.
- Corruption had become so endemic within the local administration that even minor permits required illicit payments to process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.