urgency

[ ur-juhn-see ]

noun

, plural ur·gen·cies.

1. urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
2. urgencies, urgent requirements or needs.

Other Words From

• super·urgen·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of urgency¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Late Latin urgentia “pressure,” from urgent-, stem of urgēns “pressing” ( urgent ) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

Much of the American environmental movement shared this sense of urgency.

From Salon

“There are still way too many questions, in light of the urgency of making L.A. a more climate resilient city when it comes to water supply,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Some environmental groups worry nuclear projects are too costly and come with timelines that do not meet the urgency of the climate crisis.

From BBC

“If we thought they acted quickly in 2017, with a Muslim ban a week after Trump was sworn into office, it’s going to be even faster this time. … Trump is going to stay true to his word, advancing mass deportation on Day One, and we similarly have to work with that kind of urgency to make sure that we’re protecting our communities.”

From Los Angeles Times

Fouladi said California leaders had already made provisions to defend immigrants, but they were not working with the same urgency as the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• desperation
• necessity
• pressure
• seriousness