urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
Synonyms of urgencynext
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
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As the country reflected on one year since the murder, Slota posted about the urgency to brace for the possibility of more bloodshed — just before his arrest that day. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 Today, Pleasants said her research, which has now expanded to include contraception and misinformation online, has taken on greater urgency as shifting policies increasingly constrain access to reproductive health care. — Justin Chen, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026 For Sullivan, one teenage girl’s plea captures both the urgency of that mission and the difficult road survivors face after investigators reach them. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Matas Buzelis showed improved urgency and efficiency in putting his head down to get to the rim, scoring 10 of his 14 points inside the restricted area. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for urgency

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of urgency was in 1540

Phrases Containing urgency

Rhymes for urgency

See All Rhymes for urgency

Browse Nearby Words

urgence
urgency
urgent
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Cite this Entry

“Urgency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urgency. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun
ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē How to pronounce urgency (audio)
plural urgencies
: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate

More from Merriam-Webster on urgency

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