Word
proliferation
Phoneticspro·lif·er·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌpɹoʊɫɪfɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/pɹəlˌɪfəɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01rapid increase or spread
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. a sudden and fast increase in the number or amount of something.
n. the rapid and often excessive spread or increase in the number of something. Uncountable in its general sense, though often used with 'of'.
“The proliferation of smartphones has changed how we communicate every day.”
“The rapid proliferation of digital streaming platforms has fundamentally altered the economic landscape of the entertainment industry.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
02biological growth
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the fast growth of cells or parts of a living thing.
n. the reproduction or multiplication of similar forms, especially cells or organelles. Typically used in medical or biological contexts.
“The medicine is designed to stop the proliferation of cancer cells.”
“Abnormal cell proliferation is a primary characteristic of many malignant tumours, requiring targeted therapeutic intervention.”
Usage
Commonly used as an uncountable noun in scientific literature.
Synonyms
03nuclear weapons
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the spread of nuclear weapons to countries that do not have them.
n. the spread of nuclear weapons, fissionable material, and weapons-applicable nuclear technology and information to nations not recognized as 'Nuclear Weapon States'.
“Many world leaders are worried about the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
“International treaties were established to prevent the proliferation of atomic weaponry and to encourage the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
Teaching tip
In political contexts, you will almost always see this paired with 'non-' (non-proliferation) to describe efforts to stop the spread.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Despite the proliferation of psychobabble and therapy-speak, there’s also some good science.” “But it was hard to control the proliferation of cheaply produced battery packs from East Asia, as well as vapes and other powered devices, with questionable quality controls.” Etymology
Borrowed from French prolifération.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/proliferation