pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
1
: urgently important : critical
a pressing issue
2
pressingly adverb

Examples of pressing in a Sentence

a pressing need for reform she had pressing business on the other side of town
Recent Examples on the Web This access has become even more pressing against the backdrop of the global competition to accelerate the development of clean and digital technologies. Jorge Valero, Bloomberg.com, 14 Mar. 2024 The most pressing challenge is ensuring the electric grid is stable and reliable, said Dave Callahan, the group’s president. Michael Rubinkam and Marc Levy, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 Some 56% of companies said that child-care benefits are their most pressing issue this year, up from 46% in 2023, according to a survey from Care.com. Kelsey Butler, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Offensive line, defensive line and cornerback are currently more pressing needs. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Because that agreement is the most pressing item on the continent’s agenda for boosting its international trade flows—indeed its economic growth. Harry G. Broadman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The timing is more pressing now on pending and potentially contentious issues, like money, since there is no contract in place for the CFP past the 2025 season. Stephen Hawkins, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 The Gallup poll showed 28% of respondents pointing to immigration as the most pressing problem in the country, up from 20% last month. USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 Here are some of the most pressing issues raised by students, teachers, parents, community leaders and advocates. Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pressing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressing was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near pressing

Cite this Entry

“Pressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressing. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pressing

adjective
press·​ing ˈpres-iŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
: needing one's immediate attention
a pressing issue
pressingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pressing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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