endemic

The word endemic refers to something that is found throughout a particular area or group. Originally used of diseases, it is now often used in other contexts: Corruption is endemic in the industry. Endemic is sometimes misused in the sense of "universal" or "found everywhere," as in Swearing these days is endemic, meaning "Everybody swears these days." It is quite acceptable, however, to say Swearing is endemic among young people or Swearing is endemic on the factory floor, where group and area are specified. Do not confuse endemic with epidemic, in its literal or figurative senses: an epidemic spreads rapidly and usually lasts for a limited period.