urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē 

plural urgencies

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

If messages pile up or coworkers rush, don’t let their urgency rewrite your whole system. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

The announcers continued to call out Fletcher’s lack of urgency in between moves. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

And yet station officials across the country have reacted with a sense of urgency, hope and anxiety. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 July 2026

While outbreaks like cyclospora demand immediate action, long-term chemical contamination deserves the same urgency. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing urgency

• a matter of urgency/importance

Rhymes for urgency

• counterinsurgency
• emergency
• insurgency
• nonemergency

Kids Definition

urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē 

: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē 

plural urgencies

: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate