urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
Synonyms of urgencynext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Newcastle generally lacked precision and urgency in attack. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 The Moon in your sign conjoins fiery Mars, adding courage, urgency, and a shorter fuse to your emotional responses. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 What matters is the force, the urgency, and the necessity behind it. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 This is a vivid portrait of an icon of New Queer Cinema that tends to the key biographical facts of his life while imbuing it with personal urgency that comes from Rollason’s deep affinity. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgency

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of urgency was in 1540

Phrases Containing urgency

Rhymes for urgency

See All Rhymes for urgency

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate

More from Merriam-Webster on urgency

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