urgency

noun ur·gen·cy \ ˈər-jən(t)-sē \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of urgency

plural urgencies

1 : the quality or state of being urgent : insistence

2 : a force or impulse that impels or constrains : urge

See urgency defined for kids

Recent Examples of urgency from the Web

As a result Jill's investigation never develops any sense of urgency.

— ben sachs, Chicago Reader, "Film / Money The low-budget mystery Gemini is an honest but failed study in upper-class malaise," 11 Apr. 2018
What Bryant needs to work on Robinson said Bryant needs to improve the top end of his routes, getting his arm mechanics back on tap and getting out his breaks with more of a sense of urgency.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "5 things we learned about Dez Bryant from route-running guru David Robinson | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 10 Apr. 2018
In recent years, aggressive actions by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including firing missiles over Japanese territory, have given Abe's complaints about the constitution a sense of urgency.

— ben westcott, CNN, "Chinese government wary as Japan unveils first marine unit since WWII," 9 Apr. 2018
His sense of urgency is not matched by experience, and progress is patchy.

— The Economist, "When the sun sets on oilThe Middle East and Russia are ill-prepared for a low-carbon future," 15 Mar. 2018
Stahl and DeVos started with guns, an issue that still enjoys a sense of urgency despite the NRA and its Republican allies running their post-massacre playbook.

— jack holmes, Esquire, "How Betsy DeVos Faceplanted on 60 Minutes," 12 Mar. 2018
In other words, there can't be (urgency) just at the beginning or the end.

— tom green, AL.com, "No. 14 Auburn basketball aims to 'take care of business' vs. South Carolina, clinch SEC crown," 3 Mar. 2018
Pederson’s win, despite the fact Reid is happy for his friend, should serve as a jolt to the system of the old coach, a stark reminder that there needs to be some urgency to win in a bigger, more meaningful way, right now.

— terez a. paylor, kansascity, "Doug Pederson’s big win can be good for Chiefs | The Kansas City Star," 9 Feb. 2018
There is urgency to get the bill passed because a reinsurance plan is eligible for a federal waiver under the ACA for 2019 health plans.

— ryan blethen, The Seattle Times, "Bill by bill, Democrats are trying to create a stable state health-insurance system," 26 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urgency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of urgency

1540

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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URGENCY Defined for Kids

urgency

noun ur·gen·cy \ ˈər-jən-sē \

Definition of urgency for Students

: the quality or state of requiring immediate action or attention

“Let's get out of here!” he said with a sense of urgency.

Medical Dictionary

urgency

noun ur·gen·cy \ ˈər-jən-sē \

medical Definition of urgency

plural urgencies

: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate

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Spanish Central: Translation of urgency Nglish: Translation of urgency for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of urgency for Arabic speakers

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urgency

Definition of urgency

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urgency

Definition of urgency for Students

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urgency

medical Definition of urgency

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