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

Still, the highest priority in Guatemala now is combating synthetic drugs and the detection of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, said a State Department official who was not authorized to be identified discussing drug interdiction strategies. —Simon Romero Daniele Volpe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2024

If noise cancellation is your top priority when selecting a pair of wireless earbuds, there’s no better choice than the Ultra. —Brandon Widder, The Verge, 27 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing priority

• give priority
• have priority
• take 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