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

That urgency has marked Holden’s prolific output—especially the thrilling first installment of his Supreme Magnetic series in 2025 and 2022’s Joe Frog—as the Harlem rapper uses his street-hustling past to paint an autobiographical portrait. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026

There’s an urgency, but the meticulous tone appears calmer than the average high school football practice. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026

This week’s talk has an extra dose of urgency, though, after two government reports showed inflation heating up for consumers and businesses — spurring speculation about how soon the Fed will raise interest rates to handle soaring prices. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026

In a departure from their previous work, the sonic landscape of the album is often dark and foreboding, matching the urgency of the political lyrics. — Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 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