priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

-ˈär-

plural priorities

1

a(1)

: the quality or state of being prior

(2)

: precedence in date or position of publication

—used of taxa

b(1)

: superiority in rank, position, or privilege

(2)

: legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter

2

: a preferential rating

especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply

that project has top priority

3

: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

Synonyms

• precedence
• right-of-way

Examples of priority in a Sentence

Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president.

Getting the work done on time is a priority for me.

She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities?

I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.

Recent Examples on the Web

Speaking to reporters Tuesday in Dallas, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Sasaki is a major offseason priority. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Across the board, interviewees noted that funders are re-examining priorities, resulting in downsized grants amid challenging economic and political environments. —Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Tackling leaks became a major priority for the Trump administration early into his first term. —Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

For the children living in impoverished areas in the shadow of Delhi’s Red Fort, education was once a distant priority. —Shefali Rafiq, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing priority

• give priority
• have priority
• take priority

Kids Definition

priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē 

-ˈär-

plural priorities

1

: the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance

2

: a condition of being given attention before others

this project has top priority

Legal Definition

priority

1 of 2 noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

plural priorities

: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter

secured interests have priority over unsecured ones

priority

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having precedence over another in the exercise of rights in the same subject matter

a priority creditor

a priority claim

2

: of or relating to priority

a priority contest