urgent

adjective

ur·​gent ˈər-jənt 

1

a

: calling for immediate attention : pressing

urgent appeals

problems of an urgent nature

an urgent need

b

: conveying a sense of urgency

an urgent voice

2

: urging insistently : importunate

an urgent lover

urgently adverb

Synonyms of urgent

• acute
• pressing
• dire
• intense
• compelling
• emergent
• desperate
• critical

Examples of urgent in a Sentence

We've come to deliver an urgent message.

an urgent appeal for assistance

He addressed us in an urgent manner.

An urgent voice came over the intercom, telling us to leave the building immediately.

Recent Examples on the Web

Feminism, the fogged lens through which critics have often viewed her work, is seemingly no more urgent to her than food or fashion—or Star Trek, for that matter, which has inspired several drawings and paintings. —Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

The present period of international conflict makes launching Fortune Gulf Brief not just compelling, but urgent. —Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 2026

An important guide to an urgent issue. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

Although not an urgent priority, Arsenal continue to look for a long-term successor to Gabriel. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin urgent-, urgens, present participle of urgēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing urgent

• urgent care

Rhymes for urgent

• convergent
• detergent
• divergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent

Kids Definition

urgent

adjective

ur·​gent ˈər-jənt 

1

a

: calling for immediate attention : pressing

an urgent need for food

b

: indicating an urgent desire or need

an urgent manner

2

: urging very earnestly

urgently adverb