Ubiquitous

Definition

Ubiquitous is an adjective meaning present, appearing, or found everywhere; extremely widespread or constantly encountered. It often has a hyperbolic sense (“seemingly everywhere”).

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
• Respelling: YOO-BIK-wi-tuhs

British English

• IPA: /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
• Respelling: YOO-BIK-wi-tuhs

Etymology

Mid-19th century: from modern Latin ubiquitas “ubiquity” or Latin ubique “everywhere” (ubi “where” + enclitic -que “and”), plus the adjectival suffix -ous.

Derivatives

• ubiquity (noun) — the state of being everywhere or very widespread
• ubiquitously (adverb) — in a ubiquitous manner; everywhere
• ubiquitousness (noun) — quality of being ubiquitous

Synonyms

• omnipresent
• pervasive
• widespread
• universal
• ever-present
• commonplace

Antonyms

• rare
• scarce
• uncommon
• localized
• limited

Usage

Adjective: “Smartphones are ubiquitous in modern life.” / “The brand’s logo became ubiquitous during the campaign.” / “Street vendors offering the snack are ubiquitous in the city center.”

Related Terms

• Omnipresent: Present everywhere at the same time; often used for deities or figuratively for pervasive things.
• Pervasive: Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.
• Universal: Done or experienced by all people; existing everywhere or in all cases.
• Ubiquitin: (Biology) A small regulatory protein found throughout tissues of eukaryotic organisms (shares the Latin root).
• Ubiquitous computing: Computing available anytime, anywhere, embedded in everyday objects (“ubicomp”).

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Present or seemingly present everywhere — encountered in many places or situations at once.
  • Example: “Wi-Fi access has become ubiquitous in cafés.”
• Very widespread or common in a particular context — pervasive within a domain, market, or culture.
  • Example: “Sneakers are a ubiquitous part of youth fashion.”
• (Computing/tech, attributive) Available across locations and devices; pervasive and ambient.
  • Example: “Ubiquitous connectivity enables real-time collaboration.”