in·ci·dence (ĭn′sĭ-dəns) n. 1. The rate or extent of occurrence or effect: a high incidence of malaria in the tropics. 2. a. Usage Problem A specific event; instance or incident: fewer incidences of fraud after the regulations were enforced. b. The action, fact, or instance of occurring: did not expect criticism and was surprised by its incidence ...
