widespread

American  

[wahyd-spred] / ˈwaɪdˈsprɛd /

adjective

1. spread over or open, or occupying a wide space.

2. distributed over a wide region, or occurring in many places or among many persons or individuals.

   widespread poverty.

   Synonyms:

   far-flung, pervasive, extensive, far-reaching

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widespread British  

/ ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd /

adjective

1. extending over a wide area

2. accepted by or occurring among many people

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Etymology

Origin of widespread

First recorded in 1695–1705; wide + spread

Example Sentences

The office has so far found widespread flaws in Maine, Wisconsin, Indiana and Colorado.

From The Wall Street Journal

Toxic chemicals used in pet flea treatments are widespread in rivers across Wales and are harming wildlife, scientists say.

From BBC

The job market, which is expected to suffer serious damage from the widespread adoption of AI technologies, may already be wobbling.

From Barron's

The most widespread types interfere with distinguishing between red and green shades.

From Science Daily

While it is expected to be a little too breezy for widespread overnight frosts, some prone locations may dip to freezing where skies clear between weather fronts.

From BBC