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

General manager George Paton forecast as much last month at the NFL Combine despite noting the Broncos had flexibility and would operate with urgency. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026

The urgency has grown as his career runway shortens. —Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

The company acted with urgency to expand beyond beer into the fast-growing categories of non-alcoholic beer and ready-to-drink choices. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026

Each demanded decisions that carried consequences far beyond the moment — balancing urgency with restraint, emotion with judgment. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 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