mortality
mor-TAL-ih-tee
/mɔːrˈtæləti/
The state of being subject to death; or, the death rate in a particular population.
Can be a heavy philosophical concept (human mortality) or a dry statistical one (infant mortality).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'mors' (death). This root is found in many English words, including 'mortgage' (literally a 'dead pledge') and 'mortician'.
Word relationships
- fatality: 'Fatality' refers to a specific death caused by an accident or violence; 'mortality' is the general state or rate.
- immortality: The state of living forever; never dying.
Commonly confused with
- morbidity: 'Morbidity' refers to the rate of disease; 'mortality' refers to the rate of death.
Word family
- mortal (adjective/noun): Subject to death; a human being.
- immortal (adjective/noun): Living forever.
Collocations
- mortality rate
- infant mortality
- sense of mortality
Idioms & expressions
- shuffle off this mortal coil
Example sentences
- "Coming face to face with one's own mortality can lead to a profound change in perspective." Philosophy
- "The introduction of vaccines led to a dramatic decrease in child mortality." Public Health
Memory hook
Mortality... Mortal Kombat (a fight to the death). Subject to death.
When not to use
Don't use it when you simply mean 'death'; use it to discuss the state or rate of death.
Fun facts
- The 'memento mori' (remember you must die) was a popular artistic theme in the Victorian era, intended to remind people of their mortality.
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