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

But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

The combination of extreme heat and high demand for sites — which means not everyone can visit in the morning — is adding urgency to sun protection. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Hull were, unsurprisingly, the opposite, playing with urgency on the ball and seizing the opportunity to hurt United at set pieces. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Even with the team then languishing at 51-74 at the time, Pasquantino conveyed a certain sense of urgency. — Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 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