priority

American  

[prahy-awr-i-tee, -or-] / praɪˈɔr ɪ ti, -ˈɒr- /

noun

priorities plural

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.

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adjective

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

   a priority task.

priority British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonpriority
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• priorities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of priority

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

Explanation

When a group or a person cares about one thing over all others, that’s the top priority. “After the flood, finding a place to live became their first priority.” Priority comes from the word prior, which means to come before something else. A priority is the concern, interest or desire that comes before all others. “His first priority was to establish his career and get married later.” “When seeking the perfect wave, Jeff and Wayne made it their priority to be the first surfers on the beach.” "The new CEO's top priority was firing her predecessor's hires."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

priority priorities

In around 20 states, HOA liens carry “super priority” status, which can give the HOA legal priority even over the primary mortgage holder, said Stephen Hladik, a North Wales, Pa., lawyer specializing in foreclosures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

"I flew from Shanghai to Chongqing this morning, and the first priority is this shoot," 30-year-old Liu Changqing told AFP, dressed in one of the heavy motorcycle jackets rented to customers, despite the sweltering heat.

From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026

The Sunday Mirror follows with a pledge from the PM saying that helping families to ease the cost of living remains his top priority.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

Officials removed him from the case, successfully arguing before the court that a policy update meant he’d now get priority for a cool bed, on account of his current age: 67.

From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2026

At the time Joey contracts the disease, TB is a priority for public health leaders in the Philippines.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

The shift toward later parenthood reflects a shift in priorities.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026

Will she closely follow her predecessor's agenda or does she have different priorities for a city region which consists of 10 boroughs and is home to more than two million people?

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

In a call with analysts Thursday following its earnings release, Yum Brands Chief Executive Chris Turner said the safety and well-being of consumers were top priorities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

“Our transformation is well underway, and we’re executing with discipline on our priorities to deliver durable, profitable growth over the long term,” Lores said in a release.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

As always, secrecy and misdirection remain top priorities.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference