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

At the time, a source told PEOPLE that her kids and Affleck's kids were the couple's top priority. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

These challenges underscore the complexity of building consensus among nearly 200 countries, each with distinct priorities and environmental issues. —David Carlin, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Jackson's campaign lists priorities such as the fentanyl crisis, building defenses against artificial intelligence scams and protecting seniors from fraud. —Alexandria Sands, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

For example, priority 1 wells are identified as those leaking and posing significant environmental, safety, or economic threats. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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