priority

[ prahy-awr-i-tee, -or- ]

noun

, plural pri·or·i·ties

1. the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc.
2. the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.
3. the right to take precedence in obtaining certain supplies, services, facilities, etc., especially during a shortage.
4. something given special attention.

adjective

1. highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc.:

   a priority task.

priority

/ praɪˈɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being prior; antecedence; precedence
2. the right of precedence over others
3. something given specified attention

   my first priority

Other Words From

• nonpri·ori·ty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priority¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French priorite, from Medieval Latin priōritās; prior ¹, -ity

Example Sentences

Fixing systemic inequities in voting power should be a high priority for Democrats.

From Vox

The National Academy of Medicine is working on priorities for the first phase.

From Fortune

That process—dating back to the earliest days of the company—stands today as a very top priority.

From Fortune

For years, San Diego’s biggest priority when it comes to water has been securing its own drought-proof source of it.

From Voice of San Diego

Another senator backed up the idea that Atkins didn’t ask other lawmakers to make her bill a priority.

From Voice of San Diego

In fact, in a recent study of their users internationally, it was the lowest priority for most.

From The Daily Beast

Current and former intelligence officials have said North Korea has long been a priority target for American spies.

From The Daily Beast

It's not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it is kind of a top priority.

From The Daily Beast

If we want that to change, then all of us have to encourage our legislators to make funding community policing a priority.

From The Daily Beast

“The tribe is really made of people who put travel as a priority in their entire lifestyle,” says Evita.

From The Daily Beast

As Donovan described and figured this insect many years before Dr. Leach, his name has the right of priority.

From Project Gutenberg

I gladly yield to M. Papus the priority in time, which was possible to a well-informed gentleman, at the centre of the conspiracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Of all the foolish things that scientific men quarrel about, one of the most foolish is the question of priority of discovery.

From Project Gutenberg

Granted, therefore, that the question of form must take priority, how can it be best attained?

From Project Gutenberg

His merits in this as in other respects, his various claims to priority of invention, are only too often overlooked.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference