exigency

[ ek-si-juhn-see, ig-zij-uhn- ]

noun

, plural ex·i·gen·cies.

1. exigent state or character; urgency.
2. Usually exigencies. the need, demand, or requirement intrinsic to a circumstance, condition, etc.:

   the exigencies of city life.

3. a case or situation that demands prompt action or remedy; emergency:

   He promised help in any exigency.

   Synonyms: pinch, fix, predicament, strait, plight, contingency, crisis

exigency

/ ˈɛksɪdʒəns; ˈɛksɪdʒənsɪ; ɪɡˈzɪdʒənsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being exigent; urgency
2. often plural an urgent demand; pressing requirement
3. an emergency

Word History and Origins

Origin of exigency¹

From the Medieval Latin word exigentia, dating back to 1575–85. See exigent, -ency

Example Sentences

Economic exigencies are often more urgent than a deference to the past, but Little Tokyo is trying to have it both ways.

From Los Angeles Times

“We discussed whether we had exigency” to enter the apartment forcibly.

From Los Angeles Times

His nonchalant attitude toward the exigencies of the stage rankled the more experienced cast members, who resented the way he tried to control their every movement.

From Los Angeles Times

The court’s consideration of this motion, moreover, was hardly warp speed for a case of this importance and exigency.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe all we want as an audience is a place to hang out with our favorite characters, suspended from any exigencies of time or plot.

From New York Times

Related Words

• contingency
• vicissitude