noun

occurrence

uh-KER-uns/əˈkɜːrəns/

An instance or fact of something happening or existing.

The rainbow's sudden occurrence surprises the two observers in the park.

A sudden rainbow appears over a small park after rain and two adult observers notice the event with mild surprise.

Etymology

ocLatintoward, against

+currLatinto run

+enceLatinaction or state

The underlying image of “running toward” developed into meeting or presenting itself. With the noun ending, an occurrence is something that presents itself—an event, originally often understood as unexpected.

In context

Plainly Difficult389:58

criticality accidents are a technician's worst nightmare although a rare occurrence they can and do happen

ReWind: Year 5 Omnibus of Plainly Difficult

More examples

She records each occurrence of the error in a notebook.
The survey maps the occurrence of copper in these rocks.
Heavy snowfalls are rare occurrences in this coastal town.

Forms

occurrence · occurrences

occur verb — To happen or be present somewhere.

Similar words

event: Usually a distinct happening, sometimes planned or publicly organized.
incident: Often a specific episode involving trouble or unusual circumstances.
instance: Emphasizes a particular example rather than the happening itself.