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

During the 1990s and 2000s, emergency relief and direct care were the priority, as treatment options were limited and stigma remained high. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Our hope was to give players and fans the highest quality experience possible for the iconic character, and unfortunately this is no longer possible within our strategic priorities. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025

Curry said economic development, public safety and addressing the village’s finances and reducing its debt are a top priority. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Her most recent employer, the chemicals lobbying group, has made reversing the Environmental Protection Agency’s course on formaldehyde a priority and is pushing to abolish a program under which the agency assess the risks of chemicals to human health. —Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing priority

• give priority
• have priority
• take priority

Rhymes for priority

• authority
• majority
• minority
• seniority
• sonority
• sorority
• exteriority
• inferiority
• superiority

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