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

Lala’s journey of self-discovery is told with honesty, transparency, and urgency, giving voice to the emotions and choices that many young people and students often carry in silence. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025

In the South there is the lack of urgency to do anything. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025

For everyone involved, the urgency is real. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

Taiwan’s biggest defense show, TADTE 2025, was electric with urgency and international presence, but if the forecasts of invasion in 2027 materialize, this could indeed be Taiwan’s last peacetime expo. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025

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