mortality rate

American  

[mawr-tal-i-tee reyt] / mɔrˈtæl ɪ ti ˌreɪt /

noun

1. the relative frequency of deaths in a specific population during a specified time, often cited as the percentage of human deaths during a public health crisis, or of wildlife deaths due to environmental perils.

   Patients over the age of 80 had the highest mortality rate during the last flu season.

   The mortality rate of the bald eagle falls to about 25 percent after the first year of life.

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mortality rate British  

noun

1. another term for death rate

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Etymology

Origin of mortality rate

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

"On one hand," says Prof Geisbet, "it's good that the mortality rate, historically, for Bundibugyo has been lower."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The incubation period is between two and 21 days, and the mortality rate in past Bundibugyo outbreaks was between 30% and 50%.

From MarketWatch • May 17, 2026

Faster chair stand performance was also linked to improved survival, with a 4% lower mortality rate for every 6-second improvement from the slowest to the fastest times.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Hantavirus has a higher mortality rate than Covid-19 but spreads far less easily, as transmission generally requires prolonged close contact, he notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

When lice were collected and tested, it was found that 5 per cent DDT powder caused no increase in their natural mortality rate.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson