'mortality' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'mortalitas,' where 'mortal' meant 'subject to death.'

'mortalitas' transformed into the Old French word 'mortalité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mortality' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the condition of being mortal,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'death rate or the state of being mortal.'