urgent

adjective

ur·​gent ˈər-jənt How to pronounce urgent (audio)
1
a
: calling for immediate attention : pressing
urgent appeals
an urgent need
b
: conveying a sense of urgency
2
: urging insistently : importunate
urgently adverb

Examples of urgent in a Sentence

We've come to deliver an urgent message. an urgent appeal for assistance He addressed us in an urgent manner. An urgent voice came over the intercom, telling us to leave the building immediately.
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.
But starting last year, states were permitted to use the funds for a broader range of urgent public health needs, including monitoring and testing for other respiratory viruses, providing vaccines for children and uninsured adults and strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, the board issued urgent safety recommendations last week, telling bridge owners to conduct vulnerability assessments. Lea Skene, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 America and the world have many urgent problems, but nobody of sane mind ever thought that the Canadian border was on that list. Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025 The trend has prompted urgent warnings from safety experts, toy manufacturers, and parents who have learned the risks firsthand. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for urgent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin urgent-, urgens, present participle of urgēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of urgent was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Urgent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgent. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

urgent

adjective
ur·​gent ˈər-jənt How to pronounce urgent (audio)
1
a
: calling for immediate attention : pressing
an urgent need for food
b
: indicating an urgent desire or need
an urgent manner
2
: urging very earnestly
urgently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on urgent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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