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 Word Forms

• occurrent adjective
• preoccurrence noun
• reoccurrence 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

Montanez said he couldn’t speak to whether this type of theft was a common occurrence within the city.

From Los Angeles Times

A poor diet can also weaken the immune system and, for many students, eating healthily isn't easy - especially when skipping meals is a regular occurrence.

From BBC

While numerous cultures and spiritual movements have throughout history long attempted to commune with the dead, a séance, says Lisa Morton, author of “Calling the Spirits: A History of Séances,” is a relatively recent occurrence.

From Los Angeles Times

Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, for instance, used to be rare, but are now a monthly occurrence, she said.

From BBC

She once saw the aurora by eye from Lancaster city centre in red, green and purple but admitted it was "a rare occurrence".

From BBC

Related Words

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