adj
Uncommon
prevailing
prih-VAY-lihng
Prevailing (adj) means Most common, widespread, or dominant at a particular time. Example: “The prevailing view among economists is that rates will rise next year.”
adj
1
Most common, widespread, or dominant at a particular time.
"The prevailing view among economists is that rates will rise next year."
"Sailors need to know the prevailing winds before setting a course."
"The prevailing mood in the office was one of quiet relief on Friday."
"This world-wide travel organisation recently attained its centenary, and under happier conditions than those prevailing at the present time the event would doubtless have been celebrated worthily."
— , Notes and News: The Centenary of Cook's (1941)
How to use prevailing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes whatever opinion, condition, or trend is currently dominant.
Common pairings
prevailing wind
prevailing attitude
prevailing conditions
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more prevailing
- Superlative
- most prevailing
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The _____ view among economists is that rates will rise next year.
Etymology
From prevail + -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prevailing
See all rhymes for prevailing →Frequently asked questions
What does “prevailing” mean?
The word “prevailing” means most common, widespread, or dominant at a particular time. In plain terms, describes whatever opinion, condition, or trend is currently dominant.
How do you pronounce “prevailing”?
“Prevailing” is pronounced prih-VAY-lihng (/pɹɪˈveɪ.lɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “prevailing” in a sentence?
Here is “prevailing” used in a sentence: “The prevailing view among economists is that rates will rise next year.”
What is another word for “prevailing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “prevailing” include ubiquitous.
What part of speech is “prevailing”?
“Prevailing” is an adjective.
Is “prevailing” a common word?
“Prevailing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between prevailing and prevalent?
Prevailing and prevalent both describe something widespread or dominant, but prevailing is typically used with reference to a specific time or moment, such as prevailing winds or the prevailing mood, while prevalent more often describes general commonness across a population or area.
What kinds of nouns does prevailing typically describe?
Prevailing commonly pairs with words like winds, conditions, attitude, opinion, or wage, referring to whatever is currently dominant or standard in a given context. It is frequently used in weather, economic, and social discussions.
Is prevailing used in formal or everyday writing?
Prevailing appears in both, but it is especially common in formal, technical, and journalistic writing, such as legal, meteorological, or economic reports referring to prevailing rates or prevailing conditions.
