What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prevalent
Example
Obesity is prevalent in many developed countries. [prevalent: adjective]
Example
The idea that hard work leads to success is prevalent in American culture. [prevalent: adjective]
rampant
Example
Corruption is rampant in some developing countries. [rampant: adjective]
Example
The virus is spreading rampant across the world. [rampant: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevalent is more commonly used than rampant in everyday language. Prevalent is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while rampant is typically used to describe negative situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prevalent and rampant?
Prevalent is more formal than rampant. It is often used in academic or scientific writing, while rampant is more informal and colloquial.
