urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən(t)-sē 

plural urgencies

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

Angelenos know this city is not being led with the clarity or urgency this moment demands. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026

Nevertheless, the program reflects a growing emphasis on space as a critical domain for national security and highlights the urgency of developing advanced defensive capabilities in response to rapidly advancing missile technologies. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

The club, off to a 23-11, first-place start after getting knocked out of the ALDS last October, seems to be operating with more urgency this season. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026

And without really noticing it, the urgency that once existed at the beginning of your search quietly fades away. —Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing urgency

• a matter of urgency/importance

Rhymes for urgency

• counterinsurgency
• emergency
• insurgency
• nonemergency

Kids Definition

urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē 

: the quality or state of being urgent

Medical Definition

urgency

noun

ur·​gen·​cy ˈər-jən-sē 

plural urgencies

: a sudden compelling need to urinate or defecate