urgent

adjective

ur·​gent ˈər-jənt 

1

a

: calling for immediate attention : pressing

urgent appeals

an urgent need

b

: conveying a sense of urgency

2

: urging insistently : importunate

urgently adverb

Synonyms

• acute
• pressing
• dire
• intense
• compelling
• emergent
• desperate
• critical

Examples of urgent in a Sentence

We've come to deliver an urgent message.

an urgent appeal for assistance

He addressed us in an urgent manner.

An urgent voice came over the intercom, telling us to leave the building immediately.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kaiser said in a notice to patients that its hospitals and medical offices would remain open in the event of a strike, but that the health system may reschedule some non-urgent appointments or elective surgeries. —Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025

But on Wednesday, Roberts said, Scott's injury became an 'urgent matter,' necessitating the procedure, which has a recovery timetable of 1-2 weeks. —Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025

The Earthshot Prize aims to spotlight inspiring, innovative solutions to some of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges, awarding prizes across five key areas. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

Democrats argue that the healthcare reforms are urgent, and millions of Americans will see premiums increase dramatically if Republicans fail to attach the provisions. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin urgent-, urgens, present participle of urgēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing urgent

• urgent care

Rhymes for urgent

• serjeant
• convergent
• detergent
• divergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent

Kids Definition

urgent

adjective

ur·​gent ˈər-jənt 

1

a

: calling for immediate attention : pressing

an urgent need for food

b

: indicating an urgent desire or need

an urgent manner

2

: urging very earnestly

urgently adverb