What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fatality
Example
The car crash resulted in one fatality and several injuries. [fatality: noun]
Example
The fatality rate for COVID-19 is higher among older adults. [fatality rate: noun]
Example
The risk of fatality is high for those who work in construction. [fatality: noun]
death
Example
Her death was sudden and unexpected. [death: noun]
Example
The patient was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. [dead: adjective]
Example
The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack. [death: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Death is more commonly used than fatality in everyday language. Death is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and formality levels, while fatality is more specific and formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fatality and death?
Fatality is a more formal and technical word than death, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.