# proliferation

/ˌpɹoʊɫɪfɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹəlˌɪfəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proliferation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. rapid increase or spread

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a sudden and fast increase in the number or amount of something.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. biological growth

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the fast growth of cells or parts of a living thing.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. nuclear weapons

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the spread of nuclear weapons to countries that do not have them.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The proliferation of smartphones has changed how we communicate.
- The rapid proliferation of fake news on social media makes it difficult to find reliable information.
- International treaties were designed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ensure global security during the latter half of the twentieth century.

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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.