# pandemic

/pænˈdɛmɪk/ (US) · /pændˈɛmɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pandemic
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. global disease outbreak

noun · CEFR B2

a dangerous disease that spreads very quickly to many different countries.

For teachers: an outbreak of a disease prevalent over a whole country, continent, or the entire world.

- The government introduced new travel rules during the global pandemic.
- Public health experts warned that the lack of international cooperation would only prolong the pandemic and increase the death toll.

### 2. widespread disease

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a disease that is spreading all over the world.

For teachers: relating to a disease occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

- The virus reached pandemic levels within just a few months.
- The pandemic spread of the virus forced schools and businesses to close their doors indefinitely.

### 3. general or widespread

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to describe something bad that is happening everywhere.

For teachers: extending throughout a population or area; often used figuratively to describe widespread social or economic issues.

- Corruption was pandemic throughout the local government departments.
- The report highlighted a pandemic lack of trust in the financial institutions following the market crash.

### 4. physical or sensual

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

relating to physical love or desire rather than spiritual feelings.

For teachers: relating to the earthly or sensual aspect of love, as opposed to the spiritual or heavenly aspect.

- The poet wrote about the pandemic desires of the human heart.
- The essay contrasts the pandemic nature of physical attraction with the sublime, spiritual devotion described in classical literature.

## Examples

- The government closed schools during the pandemic.
- Health officials worked tirelessly to develop a vaccine during the global pandemic to protect the population.
- While a local outbreak can be contained through quarantine, a pandemic requires international cooperation and synchronized public health policies to mitigate its long-term economic and social impact.

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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.