mortality
mor-TAL-ih-tee
/mɔːrˈtælɪti/
The state of being subject to death; in demography, the frequency or rate of deaths in a given population.
Refers to death rates overall or from specific causes within a statistical group.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'mors' (genitive 'mortis'), meaning death. It reflects the fundamental condition of human life.
Word relationships
- death rate: 'Death rate' is general phrasing; 'mortality rate' is formal statistical terminology.
- immortality: Exemption from death.
- vitality: State of being strong and active; life force.
Commonly confused with
- morbidity: Mortality refers to death rates; morbidity refers to illness or disease rates.
Word family
- mortal (adjective): Subject to death; causing death.
Collocations
- mortality rate
- infant mortality
- mortality table
- cause-specific mortality
Example sentences
- "Improvements in sanitation led to a dramatic reduction in infant mortality during the 20th century." Public health
- "Researchers analyzed mortality tables to set insurance premiums accurately." Demographic statistics
Memory hook
MORT (death) + ALITY = condition of dying. The rate of human life ending.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'morbidity', which refers to the rate of disease or illness, not death.
Fun facts
- The first modern mortality table was created by astronomer Edmond Halley in 1693.
Related words
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