priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

-ˈär-

plural priorities

1

a(1)

: the quality or state of being prior

(2)

: precedence in date or position of publication

—used of taxa

b(1)

: superiority in rank, position, or privilege

(2)

: legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter

2

: a preferential rating

especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply

that project has top priority

3

: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

Synonyms

• precedence
• right-of-way

Examples of priority in a Sentence

Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president.

Getting the work done on time is a priority for me.

She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities?

I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gartner’s priority now is being a mother to Cooper. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024

Orlando said after the roof, the gutters and new dormers are a high priority. —Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024

Every year, the Maryland Department of Transportation conducts a report that evaluates the state's transportation infrastructure and determines its priorities for investment. —Caitlin Thompson, NPR, 4 Apr. 2024

Despite facing resistance from her own family, Dominique chooses to take the young girl under her wing and reevaluate her priorities. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024

Think of it as a sweet get-to-know-you phase with yourself and your priorities. —Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

Some of his priorities include changing the way council meetings are held and rebuilding morale among city employees. —Luke Nozicka, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024

With the archival photograph as proof, the piece has become a priority in Cambodia’s repatriation efforts. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

Idaho Democrats held an angry news conference Friday afternoon after the Legislature has not passed new legislation on two of their primary priorities with days left in the session: health exceptions for abortions and protections for IVF. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing priority

• take priority
• give priority
• have priority

Kids Definition

priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē 

-ˈär-

plural priorities

1

: the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance

2

: a condition of being given attention before others

this project has top priority

Legal Definition

priority

1 of 2 noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

plural priorities

: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter

secured interests have priority over unsecured ones

priority

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having precedence over another in the exercise of rights in the same subject matter

a priority creditor

a priority claim

2

: of or relating to priority

a priority contest