urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
Synonyms of urgencynext
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
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The problems facing the world right now place extreme urgency on discovery and innovation. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026 Morocco has just leapfrogged South Africa in the African Development Bank industrial ranking, sharpening the urgency to cut costs that hollow out factories. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 15 June 2026 With more Americans turning to TikTok wellness trends and supplement aisles for answers about their eye health, the question of whether carrots actually help your eyesight has taken on new urgency. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026 In her primary victory speech, Bass said families shouldn’t have to step around encampments, and Raman has said greater urgency is needed. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgency

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of urgency was in 1540

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate

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