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

Avoid clicking links in unexpected password-reset emails, especially when the message creates urgency. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Questions of value, consumption, and resourcefulness give the exhibition a particular urgency, Bolton feels. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

This context resolves to a high-urgency risk, requiring immediate isolation and escalation. — Jonathan Stewart, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

The push has gained urgency as governments increasingly view critical minerals as a source of geopolitical leverage. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Nov. 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