exigency

noun

ex·​i·​gen·​cy ˈek-sə-jən(t)-sē  ˈeg-zə-jən(t)-  ig-ˈzi-jən(t)- 

plural exigencies

1

: that which is required in a particular situation

—usually used in plural

… exceptionally quick in responding to the exigencies of modern warfare …

—D. B. Ottaway

2

a

: the quality or state of being exigent

b

: a state of affairs that makes urgent demands

a leader must act in any sudden exigency

Synonyms of exigency

• crisis
• emergency

Choose the Right Synonym for exigency

juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, strait (or straits) crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs.

juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Examples of exigency in a Sentence

the exigencies requiring snap decisions that traders on the stock exchange face every day

Recent Examples on the Web

The exigencies of the Revolution lead to promising more people representation. —Ken Burns, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

Potential finalists will be notified via email and may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, License of Work and Release of Liability/Publicity within three (3) days of date of notification, or a shorter time if required by exigencies, or a runner-up may be selected. —Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026

In West Texas, some locals were hopeful that the exigencies of life in a rural area, where recordkeeping can be rudimentary and property boundaries aren’t always clear, might stymie the project, at least for a little while. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

The likelihood of success in a second round of talks increases with the political exigencies and condition of those at the table. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exigency

• indigency

Kids Definition

exigency

noun

ex·​i·​gen·​cy ˈek-sə-jən-sē  ig-ˈzij-ən- 

plural exigencies

: a situation requiring immediate action

Legal Definition

exigency

noun

ex·​i·​gen·​cy ˈek-sə-jən-sē, ik-ˈsi-jən-sē 

plural exigencies

1

: that which is required in a particular situation

—usually used in pl.

2

a

: the quality or state of being exigent

b

: a state of affairs that makes urgent demands