urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē 

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

The letter, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, stresses the urgency of the case, detailing the ways in which Live Nation allegedly continues to squeeze fans, artists and independent venues while reporting record revenue and concert profits. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025

The talks come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war adding urgency. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Matching that sense of urgency will be the challenge for Jed Hoyer’s front office. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2025

And if none of these things bring relief, or when frequency and urgency are the main concerns, your doc may recommend neuromodulation. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing urgency

• a matter of urgency/importance

Rhymes for urgency

• counterinsurgency
• emergency
• insurgency
• nonemergency

Kids Definition

urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē 

: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē 

plural urgencies

: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate