urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic strolled to his left, showing little urgency. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Signs of the scam include unexpected calls, an extreme sense of urgency to donate, asking for personal/financial details, or the website doesn’t provide any contact information. Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2024 The urgency today is altogether different, now that Trump’s threat to attack the institutions of American democracy proved not rhetorical but real. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024 In a Tuesday appearance on CNN’s The Lead With Jake Tapper, Pfeiffer—who cohosts the hugely popular Pod Save America podcast—said Harris’s lack of urgency in courting young male voters could cost her the election. Jane Thier, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near urgency

Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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