Word
widespread
Phoneticswide·spread, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwaɪdsˈpɹɛd/
UK/wˈaɪdspɹɛd/
Definitions
01common or extensive
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. existing or happening in many places and affecting many people.
adj. distributed over a broad area or occurring extensively within a specific group or system.
日本語:広範※
“There is widespread concern about the new law among small business owners.”
“Despite the implementation of new safety protocols, there remains widespread skepticism regarding the long-term efficacy of the proposed measures.”
Usage
Often used to describe abstract nouns like concern, belief, support, or poverty.
Teaching tip
This is a high-frequency word in academic and journalistic writing; it sounds more formal than saying 'many people think' or 'it is everywhere'.
02physically spread out
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. covering a very large physical area.
adj. extending over a wide geographical range or physical space.
日本語:広範※
“The storm caused widespread damage across the entire valley.”
“The satellite imagery revealed widespread deforestation along the border, indicating a significant shift in local land-use patterns over the last decade.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “widespread” in context.
Adjective
01. widespread adoption
“The widespread adoption of renewable energy is essential for reducing carbon emissions.”
adj + noun
02. widespread criticism
03. widespread damage
04. widespread public
Real-World Examples
“By December, the problems had become widespread, with at least nine blocks affected.” “It’s become such a widespread activity that they reveal there have been more than 8,500 incidents of illegal hare coursing reported to the police in the last three years.” Etymology
From wide + spread.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/widespread
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0