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

Health risks heighten urgency Authorities say Nancy Guthrie has significant physical limitations and requires daily medication that could be life-threatening if missed for more than 24 hours. —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

The current state of the Giannis sweepstakes still doesn’t seem to show much urgency on Milwaukee’s side. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

That effort took on extra urgency after a 15-year-old e-bike rider was killed at the intersection of Santa Fe Drive and El Camino Real in June 2023. —Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026

Revoice expanded it into a complete sentence that reflected urgency and frustration, based on emotional signals and context. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 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