What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epidemic
Example
The COVID-19 pandemic was declared an epidemic due to its rapid spread across the globe. [epidemic: noun]
Example
The city was hit hard by an epidemic of the flu, with many people falling ill. [epidemic: adjective]
outbreak
Example
There was an outbreak of measles in the school, with several students falling ill. [outbreak: noun]
Example
The health officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent an outbreak of the virus. [outbreak: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outbreak is more commonly used than epidemic in everyday language, as it can refer to a more limited occurrence of a disease. However, epidemic is still commonly used in the context of public health and disease control.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between epidemic and outbreak?
Both epidemic and outbreak are formal words that are commonly used in the context of public health and disease control.
