mortality
mor-TAL-uh-tee
/mɔːrˈtæl.ə.ti/
The state of being subject to death; the relative frequency of deaths in a population.
In population studies, usually expressed as a rate (e.g., deaths per 1,000 individuals per year).
The story behind the word. Traced to the Proto-Indo-European root *mer- meaning 'to die'. Passed into Latin as 'mortalis' (subject to death), contrasting humans with the deathless pagan gods.
Word relationships
- fatality: Fatality refers to deaths caused by a specific accident or disaster, whereas mortality refers to general death rates.
- immortality: The state of living forever; exemption from death.
Commonly confused with
- morbidity: Morbidity refers to the rate of disease or illness, while mortality refers to death.
Word family
- mortal (adjective): Subject to death.
- immortal (adjective): Living forever.
Collocations
- mortality rate
- infant mortality
- maternal mortality
- mortality table
Example sentences
- "Improvements in sanitation led to a dramatic drop in infant mortality during the 20th century." Public health report
- "Facing one's own mortality often inspires a deeper reflection on life goals." Philosophical writing
Memory hook
Morticians handle death; mortality is death rate. Inevitability of death.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple weakness or illness that does not result in death.
Fun facts
- Actuaries created the first mortality tables in 17th-century London to price life insurance policies.
Related words
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