proliferation

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌproʊlɪfɜrˈeɪʃən/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The rapid increase in number or amount of something; a large growth in quantity.; The rapid reproduction or multiplication of cells, as in biological growth or tumor formation.; The spread or acquisition of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction by additional countries or groups.; The process of producing new growth or offspring; reproduction or budding in organisms.; An excessive or abundant production of something, often with a negative connotation of being overwhelming or uncontrolled.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: proliferations

Collocations

nuclear proliferationproliferation of weaponscell proliferationproliferation of informationarms proliferationproliferation of technology

Derivatives

proliferateproliferativeproliferatorproliferousantiproliferation

Synonyms

spreadmultiplicationexpansiongrowthincreaseescalation

Antonyms

reductiondecreasedeclinediminution

Commonly confused

propagation
EN: 'Propagation' implies deliberate spreading or reproduction (e.g., of plants or ideas); 'proliferation' emphasizes rapid, often uncontrolled increase in number.
dissemination
EN: 'Dissemination' refers to the deliberate distribution of information; 'proliferation' focuses on the rapid growth in quantity, often with a negative connotation.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the sequence: 'pro-lif-er-a-tion' — note the single 'f' and the '-er-' before '-ation'. Do not confuse with 'proliferate' (the verb form drops '-ion').

💬 Examples

  1. The proliferation of social media platforms has changed how people communicate.

  2. Uncontrolled cell proliferation is a hallmark of cancer.

  3. The treaty was designed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

  4. The proliferation of bacteria in the petri dish was visible within hours.

  5. The proliferation of misinformation online has become a serious societal concern.