General Usage:
* The city is facing an epidemic of homelessness. (Describes a widespread occurrence of something negative)
* Social media has created an epidemic of online bullying. (Describes a widespread problem)
* The flu epidemic of 1918 was one of the deadliest in history. (Refers to a widespread outbreak of a disease)
Figurative Usage:
* There's an epidemic of laziness in the workplace. (Describes a prevalent problem, even if not literally an outbreak)
* The fashion industry is facing an epidemic of fast fashion. (Describes a trend that's happening on a large scale)
More Specific Examples:
* The recent measles epidemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination.
* Experts are concerned about a potential opioid epidemic in the United States.
* The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the global economy. (While "pandemic" is a more accurate term for a global outbreak, "epidemic" can be used in this context)
Remember, "epidemic" typically refers to a widespread occurrence of something negative, whether it's a disease, a social problem, or a trend.