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

As the clock ticks, the lack of urgency in the nation's capital to keep the government's lights on stands in stark contrast to the consequences a shutdown may have for many Americans. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

The characters barrel forward from first frame to last, wired into the urgency of the now. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025

These top-down directives often fail to reach the frontlines and, worse, overlook the ingenuity and urgency frontline producers already bring. —Felipe Arango, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025

Here, Johnny tries to go for it again with that same urgency, only for Gheorghe to insist on gentleness, tenderness, and yes, an actual first kiss, even as Johnny is visibly terrified. —James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025

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