pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpre-siŋ 

1

: urgently important : critical

a pressing issue

2

: earnest, warm

pressingly

ˈpre-siŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• acute
• burning
• clamant
• compelling
• critical
• crying
• dire
• emergent
• exigent
• imperative
• imperious
• importunate
• instant
• necessitous
• urgent

Examples of pressing in a Sentence

a pressing need for reform

she had pressing business on the other side of town

Recent Examples on the Web

The Problems Of Visibility And Decentralization One of the most pressing challenges in securing NHIs is visibility. —Gregory Webb, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Sven Botman’s return to fitness this month also means Newcastle’s need for a centre-half is less pressing than during the summer. —James McNicholas, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025

While his conversation with Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton covered a wide range of studio strategies — from deal structures to maximizing Sony IP — the most pressing topic was the devastating wildfires burning in Los Angeles. —Todd Longwell, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025

But the more pressing culprit might be less the food itself than the ways that food has been produced, including widespread industrial techniques and chemical modifications. —Fergus McIntosh, The New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pressing

• flesh-pressing

Kids Definition

pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpres-iŋ 

: needing one's immediate attention

a pressing issue

pressingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb