birthrate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “birthrate” mean?
The number of live births per thousand of population per year.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The number of live births per thousand of population per year.
A statistical measure of fertility in a given population, often used to analyse demographic trends, predict economic futures, or assess social health.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'birth rate' (two words) is more common, especially in British English. 'Birthrate' (one word) is an accepted variant, particularly in American English. The compound 'birthrate' is often used attributively (e.g., birthrate decline).
Connotations
Neutral and statistical in both varieties. May carry connotations of national vitality or decline in political/journalistic contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in academic, policy, and news contexts than in everyday conversation in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “birthrate” in a Sentence
The birthrate in [Country/Region] is [adjective].A [adjective] birthrate has led to [consequence].Experts are concerned about the [adjective] birthrate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birthrate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
American English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; no derived adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable; no derived adverb]
adjective
British English
- The birthrate statistics were concerning.
- They discussed birthrate trends.
American English
- The birthrate data is published annually.
- It's a birthrate issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports on labour market futures and pension system sustainability (e.g., 'A low birthrate threatens the future workforce.').
Academic
A central term in demography, sociology, and economics; used with precise statistical definitions.
Everyday
Discussed in news about population ageing or government family policy (e.g., 'The news says the birthrate is dropping.').
Technical
Specifically refers to the number of live births per 1,000 mid-year population in a given year.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “birthrate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “birthrate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birthrate”
- Using it as a plural countable noun (e.g., 'The birthrates are high' – prefer 'The birthrate is high in these countries').
- Confusing 'birthrate' with 'fertility rate', which is births per woman.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Birth rate' (two words) is more common, especially in formal writing. 'Birthrate' (one word) is a standard variant, often used in compound adjectives.
The birthrate (CBR) is births per 1,000 total population. The fertility rate (TFR) is the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. They are related but different metrics.
Not necessarily. While it indicates population growth, a very high birthrate can strain resources, while a very low one can cause an ageing society. Context matters.
Typically, no. It's a demographic term for human populations. For animals, terms like 'reproduction rate' or 'offspring production rate' are used.
The number of live births per thousand of population per year.
Birthrate is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Birthrate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːθˌreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːθˌreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BIRTH' + 'RATE' – it's the *rate* at which new births happen in a population.
Conceptual Metaphor
POPULATION IS A BODY (a healthy/high birthrate = vitality; a low/falling birthrate = sickness/decline).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'birthrate' specifically measure?