1. The power, influence, or advantage achieved by having large number of people or things acting together. People seem not to be realizing that the force of numbers turning out to support this political movement has turned it into something to be reckoned with. Companies that believe they'll remain relevant through the sheer force of numbers they employ are those that come crashing down the hardest.

2. Various statistical elements that, when taken together, create a clear influence or advantage. The youngest player in the tournament, she has, through the sheer force of numbers, earned a top-seeded position, outranking established veterans who haven't had as wildly successful seasons.