popularity

[pop-yuh-lar-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality or fact of being popular.

   Synonyms: repute, fame, fashion, vogue, acclaim

2. the favor of the general public or of a particular group of people.

   His popularity with television audiences is unrivaled.

   Synonyms: repute, fame, fashion, vogue, acclaim

Other Word Forms

• nonpopularity noun
• overpopularity noun
• semipopularity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of popularity¹

First recorded in 1540–50, popularity is from the Latin word populāritās a courting of popular favor. See popular, -ity

Example Sentences

It’s like the quarterback and homecoming queen losing a popularity contest to a wheezing weirdo.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the 2021 elections, Hichilema, who had already made five unsuccessful runs for the presidency, surfed a wave of popularity that swept him into power in a landslide victory over Lungu.

Read more on BBC

As Snapchat’s popularity soared, fueling the rise of vertical videos, bigger social media rivals took notice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And similar to the U.S., the Chinese film market has also been dented by the growth of short-form content and increasing popularity of watching entertainment on phones and tablets, keeping theatergoers at home.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Although the label is itself lighthearted, its popularity points to a rising undercurrent of fatigue and frustration.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• acceptance 
• acclaim 
• demand 
• fame 
• following 
• reputation