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

The collective perspective of these leaders contributed to 10 priorities that can help more companies walk the talk and become social impact leaders. —Paul Klein, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Other perks include complimentary laundry, a $100 bar tab credit per voyage, unlimited premium Wi-Fi, priority boarding, and exclusive events and experiences onboard. —Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2024

Also Saturday, the Senate passed legislation to boost Social Security payments for millions of people, pushing a longtime priority for former public employees through Congress in one of its last acts for the year. —Lisa Mascaro, arkansasonline.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Republicans in the House and Senate have been at odds over how to tackle their policy priorities, with some senators pushing for multiple party-line bills and House members demanding one huge effort. —Carl Hulse, New York Times, 21 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