ENGLISH
REFERENCE

incidence

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈɪnsədəns// UK //ˈɪnsɪdəns// in·ci·dence Academic

n. how often something happens, especially something bad like a disease or a crime. It describes the rate at which new cases appear over a certain time.

n. the frequency or rate of occurrence of an undesirable event or condition within a specific population or period.


SIMPLE

The incidence of the flu rises every winter.

CONTEXTUAL

Public health officials reported a significant drop in the incidence of smoking-related illnesses following the new tax laws.

COMPLEX

While the overall prevalence of the condition remains high, the annual incidence has actually decreased due to more effective early intervention strategies implemented across the region.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general rate of occurrence; countable when comparing specific rates between different groups or years.

Pitfall

the incidence of the disease is 50% of the populationthe prevalence of the disease is 50% of the populationLearners confuse 'incidence' (new cases occurring) with 'prevalence' (total cases existing at a specific time).

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