noun

ubiquity

yoo-BIK-wih-tee

Ubiquity (noun) means the state of being everywhere at once, or of appearing so widely that you cannot avoid noticing it. Example: “The ubiquity of smartphones has changed how we queue, wait and travel.”

noun

The state of being everywhere at once, or of appearing so widely that you cannot avoid noticing it.

"The ubiquity of smartphones has changed how we queue, wait and travel."

"She was struck by the ubiquity of the brand's logo across the city."

theology In Lutheran theology, the doctrine that Christ's human nature shares in the divine attribute of being present everywhere, used to explain his real presence in the Eucharist.

"The debate over ubiquity divided Lutheran and Reformed theologians in the sixteenth century."

How to use ubiquity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe fact that something is everywhere you look.

When to use it

Formal to neutral; common in journalism, academic writing and business commentary.

Memory tip

Note the spelling: it is -quity, not -quiety, and there is no 'e' after the b.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ubiquitous → iniquity → antiquity →

Common pairings

the ubiquity of near-ubiquity sheer ubiquity

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of smartphones has changed how we queue, wait and travel.

Etymology

From Latin ubique, meaning 'everywhere'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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omnipresence pervasiveness prevalence universality

Antonyms

rarity scarcity

Related words

lack universal currency frequency shortage incidence famine unicorn

Rhymes for ubiquity

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for ubiquity →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ubiquity and ubiquitous?

Ubiquity is the noun and ubiquitous is the adjective that goes with it. You talk about the ubiquity of a thing, but you say the thing itself is ubiquitous. The meaning is identical; only the grammar differs.

Does ubiquity mean literally everywhere?

Rarely. Outside theology it is used as a strong exaggeration for something extremely common — coffee shops, adverts, a hit song. Nobody claims the thing is in every location on earth.

Is ubiquity a positive or negative word?

It is neutral on its own and takes its tone from the context. The ubiquity of clean water is good news; the ubiquity of surveillance cameras is usually raised as a complaint.

What is the meaning of ubiquity?

"ubiquity" (noun) means the state of being everywhere at once, or of appearing so widely that you cannot avoid noticing it.

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