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 no matter how long a societal problem has existed, leaders should address it with urgency. — David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

But with songwriting that often lacks the urgency and precision of her best, Grande herself feels elusive within it. — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026

That urgency can make a low HVAC repair quote quite appealing, especially in today's inflationary landscape, where the costs of just about everything are rising quickly. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 31 July 2026

An urgency has existed during this offseason for Rhule’s coaches — to implement their systems and to find a level of comfort alongside each other. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 30 July 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