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

With Iran enriching uranium up to 60 percent purity and Israel threatening to launch strikes itself, the urgency to prevent an armed conflict is intensifying. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

As demand accelerates, so does the urgency to find new locations that offer scale without the gridlock. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Chinese factory activity contracted at its fastest pace in 16 months in April, adding urgency to Beijing’s efforts to roll out fresh economic stimulus. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025

This adds urgency to US plans for boosting its rare earths sector that started a few years ago and picked up in recent months. —Mark Dent, HubSpot, 9 May 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