importunity

noun

im·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌim-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē 

-ˈtyü-

plural importunities

1

: the quality or state of being importunate

2

: an importunate request or demand

Synonyms

• claim
• demand
• dun
• requisition
• ultimatum

Examples of importunity in a Sentence

overwhelmed by the often conflicting importunities of pressure groups

Recent Examples on the Web

Our own house has turned into a kind of office, a site of fax and phone, of administration and importunity. —Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English importunite, borrowed from Anglo-French importunité "inappropriateness," borrowed from Latin importūnitāt-, importūnitās "unfavorableness, lack of consideration for others, relentlessness," from importūnus "not suited to one's purpose, unfavorable, unaccommodating, troublesome, relentless" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at importune entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

importunity

noun

im·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌim-pər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē 

plural importunities

: the quality or state of being importunate