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

Kifowit has played down the urgency of modernizing the comptroller’s office, saying improvements are already underway. —Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

But Cook projected no urgency around any transition on Tuesday. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026

However, this year's trip to Washington came with new urgency. —Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026

And the urgency for an extreme makeover was all the more clear as of the first day of free agency last Monday with the signing of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III to revitalize an inadequate running game that hindered the offense. —Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 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