occurrence

[ uh-kur-uhns, uh-kuhr- ]

noun

1. the action, fact, or instance of occurring.
2. something that happens; event; incident:

   We were delayed by several unexpected occurrences.

   Synonyms: circumstance

occurrence

/ əˈkʌrəns /

noun

1. something that occurs; a happening; event
2. the act or an instance of occurring

   a crime of frequent occurrence

Other Words From

• oc·current adjective
• preoc·currence noun
• reoc·currence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of occurrence¹

1530–40; < Latin occurrent-, stem of occurrēns (present participle of occurrere “to run up to, run to meet”), from oc- (variant of ob- ; ob- ( def ) ) + currere “to run” + -ence; compare Medieval Latin occurrentia

Synonym Study

See event.

Example Sentences

Although often this is considered proof positive of guilt at trial, it is not an uncommon occurrence in false confessions.

From The Daily Beast

I had to pause for sheep crossing the road, which is a common occurrence when driving through the Highlands of Scotland.

From The Daily Beast

At one point Schettino admitted that bringing passengers up to the bridge was a common occurrence.

From The Daily Beast

On its eastern front, exchanges of fire with Pakistan are a daily occurrence.

From The Daily Beast

According to Monaghan, this was a very regular occurrence among the female soldiers stationed there.

From The Daily Beast

Several pioneers familiar with the facts of the tragedy at the time of its occurrence were also present.

From Project Gutenberg

Her feet felt rooted to the floor in the wonder and doubt of this strange occurrence.

From Project Gutenberg

In the outskirts of the city, skirmishes between Spanish troops and rebels were of frequent occurrence.

From Project Gutenberg

The formation of a new ministry was not an unusual occurrence in the early years of King George the Third.

From Project Gutenberg

She felt sure that the significance of the whole occurrence had lain in her own self-consciousness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accident
• circumstance
• episode
• existence
• incidence
• incident
• instance
• manifestation
• situation