pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
1
: urgently important : critical
a pressing issue
2
pressingly adverb

Examples of pressing in a Sentence

a pressing need for reform she had pressing business on the other side of town
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.
With the rise of AI, cyber threats caused by phishing and data breaches, make the issue even more pressing. Earl Carr, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The Bruins soon found themselves with far more pressing worries. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 The article, in the Financial Times, described the efforts of investment bankers and wealthy libertarians, including a grandson of Milton Friedman, to solve one of the continent’s most pressing problems—at least, according to people who don’t live in Africa. Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 For San Diego voters, the ongoing homelessness crisis and cost-of-living are the city's most pressing problems. Kate Murphy, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pressing 

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressing was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near pressing

Cite this Entry

“Pressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressing. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pressing

adjective
press·​ing ˈpres-iŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
: needing one's immediate attention
a pressing issue
pressingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pressing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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