urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
Synonyms of urgencynext
1
: the quality or state of being urgent : insistence
2
: a force or impulse that impels or constrains : urge

Examples of urgency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the physical landscape of Fujian reflects a strategy calibrated for patience rather than urgency. — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Those skeptical officials who have expressed little need for urgency include Fed Vice Chairman Philip Jefferson and New York Fed President John Williams. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 For Dëmin, the adjustment involves sustaining urgency through possessions when somebody else is directing the offense. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 The agency feels some urgency in this quest, for China has similar goals. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgency

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of urgency was in 1540

Phrases Containing urgency

Rhymes for urgency

See All Rhymes for urgency

Browse Nearby Words

urgence
urgency
urgent
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Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate

More from Merriam-Webster on urgency

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