# statistics

/stəˈtɪstɪks/ (US) · /stɐtˈɪstɪks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/statistics
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the field of study

noun · CEFR B1 · Academic

the science of collecting, organizing, and looking at numbers to find patterns or facts.

For teachers: the branch of applied mathematics concerned with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.

- She decided to study statistics at university to help her career in business.
- Statistics provides the essential framework for validating experimental results in the social sciences, ensuring that observed patterns are not merely the result of chance.

Usage: Treated as a singular noun when referring to the academic subject.

### 2. numerical data

noun · CEFR B1

a collection of numbers or facts that show information about something.

For teachers: a systematic collection of quantitative data or measurements relating to a particular group or phenomenon.

- The latest statistics show that more people are working from home than ever before.
- Government statistics regarding unemployment were released this morning, revealing a slight but significant decrease in the number of long-term claimants.

Usage: Treated as a plural noun when referring to the data points themselves.

## Examples

- The latest statistics show that unemployment is falling.
- Government officials released the new health statistics to show the impact of the recent vaccination campaign.
- While the raw statistics suggest a significant increase in productivity, a closer analysis reveals that the growth is concentrated in only two specific sectors of the economy.

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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.