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
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.
The transparency of the scientific process mixed with the urgency of the crisis created a vacuum of confidence that wellness influencers have eagerly filled. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 Columbine is carrying that sense of urgency into this season, especially considering the Rebels are moving down to Class 4A and have a chance to be an immediate contender in their new, lower classification. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 Government impersonation scams are designed to exploit those assumptions with urgency, pressure and official-sounding language. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 But with Paramount having cleared the deal in regulators around the world, the urgency to resolve the lawsuit only grows stronger by the day, and in its statement Friday, the company continued to ramp up public pressure to get the AGs to the table. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for urgency

Nglish: Translation of urgency for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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