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.
Emde wandered ahead while King lagged behind at her usual tempo, which is uncommonly slow but projects incongruous urgency. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 Geopolitical turmoil, including war in the Middle East and US ​import tariffs, has brought urgency to an issue Icelanders have debated on and off for decades. — CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Bailey in No Rush Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey had a slightly different message suggesting no urgency to increase rates. — Maria Eloisa Capurro, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 This reduces the urgency for the ECB to continue raising interest rates in July, with markets now leaning toward the view that the ECB will hold rates steady this month. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 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

urgence
urgency
urgent
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Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 1 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for urgency

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