proliferation

/prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ (ame, ipa)

proliferation — noun

1. a situation in which the quantity or reach of something grows very rapidly, espe

1.名詞B2
釋義

a situation in which the quantity or reach of something grows very rapidly, especially in a way that is hard to manage or that causes worry — for example, when weapons, diseases, or businesses spread across a wide area

例句

The proliferation of fast-food chains in Kuala Lumpur has changed how the Tan family eats.

collocation: the proliferation of [sth]

Dr. Okafor in Lagos is worried about the proliferation of bacteria that resist common antibiotics.

同義詞
  • increase

    the most general term; fits almost any context but lacks the dramatic speed and negative tone of 'proliferation'

  • spread

    focuses on reaching a wider area rather than growing in quantity; used for diseases, ideas, or information

  • expansion

    suggests enlargement in size or scope, usually in a planned or neutral context such as business or territory

  • explosion

    a much stronger word implying a sudden, dramatic and often destructive increase, such as a population explosion

反義詞
  • decline

    a gradual decrease in number, amount, or importance over time

  • reduction

    the act of making something smaller in size, amount, or degree, often by deliberate effort

文法句型

the proliferation of [something]

[adjective] proliferation

用法筆記

Frequently found in news reports, policy documents, and scientific papers. The word often carries a negative connotation, so it is rarely used for welcome increases such as population growth or economic expansion.

常見錯誤

❌There was a proliferation in the company's profits last year.
✅There was a sharp increase in the company's profits last year.
💡'proliferation' is rarely used for positive financial growth; it typically describes the rapid spread of something undesirable or concerning.