fatality

USAGE SUMMARY

"fatality" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a death, usually as a result of an accident or disaster. For example, "The accident resulted in a fatality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The actual fatality rate may be lower since non-fatal cases of bird flu are more likely to escape detection than fatal ones).

The Economist

A review of white shark attacks off the western United States showed that about 7 percent of attacks were fatal, but data from other localities, such as South Africa, show fatality rates of more than 20 percent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Police also released the name of another fatality, Glasgow resident Samuel McGhee, 56.

The Guardian

The case fatality rate was between 54% and 62% in the three countries, said the WHO, and there was no sign this had improved over time.

The Guardian

Accidents from passengers slipping between the train and the platform accounted for almost half of the fatality risk on modern trains, the firm said, while less serious incidents caused delays while passengers were being cut free or treated.

The Guardian

It would, in this context, be naive, I suppose, to point out that the only fatality due to terrorism in the last five years on the British mainland has been the horrific murder of Lee Rigby, making it the safest half-decade in that regard since the 1960s.

The Guardian

It was the first fatality at a grand prix meeting for 12 years.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet after night fall most any layover here, it seemed that they ended up cruising the bleak arterials of dismal L.A. backwaters, seeking out of some helpless fatality the company of lowlifes of opportunity.

The Guardian - Books

America's single Ebola fatality may have disembarked in Dallas but the first leg of his journey from Monrovia, Liberia's capital, was to Brussels.

The Economist

Saudi Arabia beheads smugglers of cannabis, a drug which is not conclusively linked to a single fatality among the 200m or so who use it each year.

The Economist

There has never been a fatality on board, and the only fire, in 2003, was started by a chafing dish and was quickly put out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on incidents, use "fatality" to clearly and concisely indicate a death resulting from the event. Ensure factual accuracy when stating the number of fatalities.

Common error

Avoid using "fatality" when you actually mean "mortality rate". A "fatality" is the death itself, while "mortality rate" is the proportion of deaths within a population or group over a specific period.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fatality" is as a noun. It refers to the occurrence of a death, especially one resulting from an accident or disaster. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fatality" is a noun that refers to a death, particularly one resulting from an accident or disaster. According to Ludwig AI, the term is correct and usable in written English, and it is frequently employed in contexts related to News & Media and Encyclopedias. The word is often used to report facts neutrally and directly. While "fatality" is widely accepted, it’s important to avoid confusion with related terms like "mortality rate". Common authoritative sources such as The Economist, The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica use the word in various contexts. The semantic similarity analysis suggests alternatives like "death" and "mortality".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

death

A more general term for the end of life.

mortality

Refers to the state of being subject to death.

demise

A more formal term for death, often implying a significant event.

loss of life

Emphasizes the event of losing a life.

fatal accident

Highlights that the death occurred because of an accident.

casualty

Often used in the context of war or disasters.

terminal incident

Focuses on the conclusion of an incident.

untimely death

Suggests a death that happened sooner than expected.

mortal wound

Refers to an injury that will result in death.

end of life

Euphemistic way to describe death, focusing on the end of existence.

FAQs

How is "fatality" used in a sentence?

The word "fatality" typically refers to a death resulting from an accident, disaster, or violent event. For example: "The car crash resulted in one "fatality"."

What are some alternatives to using the word "fatality"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "death", "mortality", "demise", or "loss of life" as alternatives to "fatality".

What's the difference between "fatality" and "mortality rate"?

"Fatality" refers to an individual death, while "mortality rate" refers to the proportion of deaths within a given population. The word ""fatality"" signifies an event, whereas "mortality rate" is a statistical measure.

Is it appropriate to use "fatality" in formal writing?

Yes, "fatality" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in reports, news articles, and academic papers. It is a neutral and direct way to refer to a death caused by a specific event.