onset meaning and examples

Meaning

Onset is a noun meaning the beginning or start of something, especially something unpleasant or significant such as illness, bad weather, or war. It refers to the initial stage when something starts to happen.

Grammar and Usage

• Uncountable noun
• Typically used with negative or serious events.
• Often appears in formal or academic contexts.

Sentence structures:

• "The onset of + noun"
• "At the onset of + noun"

Common Phrases

• The onset of disease
• The onset of winter
• The sudden onset of symptoms
• The early onset of dementia
• At the onset of war

Collocations

• Sudden onset
• Early onset
• Rapid onset
• Gradual onset
• The onset of symptoms

Examples

1. The doctor warned about the early onset of diabetes.
2. We were surprised by the sudden onset of heavy rain.
3. The onset of winter brings cold winds and snow.
4. At the onset of the war, many families were displaced.
5. She was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
6. The rapid onset of symptoms required immediate treatment.
7. The onset of the storm forced the villagers to evacuate.
8. Scientists study the onset of climate change impacts.

Synonyms or Related

• Beginning
• Start
• Commencement
• Outset
• Initiation
• Dawn