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

Finding an off-ramp from Iran is the most urgent and difficult challenge, given public anger over the war. — David Ignatius, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

An urgent call is placed to Paris requesting a colorful Dior gown for the actress, sending Christian Dior and his team of seamstresses into a race against the clock. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026

One of the major unions said its call seeks urgent action on the housing crisis, along with better wages and labor and social protections. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Trump officials rejected the request, saying approval was urgent. — Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 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