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.
On Thursday, the Nets announced that Dëmin had a right leg bone bruise and would be reevaluated in a week, adding urgency to the need for reliable play in the backcourt. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026 When work reaches the right people with the relevant history, urgency and business context attached, issues get prioritized by business impact and escalation becomes less reliant on informal coordination between departments. — Rohan Joshi, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Yasutake said the urgency also stemmed from the possibility of further damage to equipment and potential harm to employees working near the tanks. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Electric rates Showing the importance and urgency of the issue, electricity was the first topic of the debate. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 1 Nov. 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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