Endemic means something that is regularly found in, or native to, a particular place, group, or environment and not generally seen outside it.

Core meaning

  • In general English, endemic describes something that belongs to or is characteristic of a specific region, people, or setting, such as “endemic corruption” or “endemic poverty.”
  • In biology, an endemic species is one that is native to, and restricted to, a particular geographic area (for example, a plant found only on one island and nowhere else in the world).
  • In medicine, an endemic disease is one that is constantly present at a steady, predictable level in a specific area or population (for example, a disease that is always present in certain parts of a country).

Quick contrasts

  • Epidemic: A sudden increase in cases of a disease in a region, above what is normally expected.
  • Pandemic: An epidemic that has spread across countries or continents.
  • Endemic: The disease settles into a long-term, steady pattern in a region, instead of surging unexpectedly.

TL;DR: “Endemic” means native to or consistently present in a particular place or group, whether it is a species, a disease, or a persistent condition like violence or poverty in a given area.