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

Fixing the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is one of those always urgent city building problems that can be endlessly postponed. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026

Summary The finalists for the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 have been announced, showcasing the our sea's complexity, beauty, and urgent need for protection. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Flight director Diane Dailey told us the controllers are watching for things like if the astronauts are loaded down with equipment, which indicates that would not be a good time to call unless urgent. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Anna Paquin is sharing an urgent message on the experiences and well-being of young performers after the recent death of Hayden Panettiere. — Paris Close, USA Today, 22 Aug. 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