priority

American  

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

noun

PLURAL

priorities

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

• nonpriority adjective

Etymology

Origin of priority

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

Example Sentences

But one small step for a chip maker is a big leap for opera and Silicon Valley, where arts philanthropy has not been a meaningful priority.

From Los Angeles Times

While interactions were limited for health reasons, this partnership ensured that the research reflected community priorities and contributed to a fuller understanding of the living heritage of the region.

From Science Daily

The government's "priority now is how to immediately send the necessary aid", with particular focus on several isolated villages, he added.

From Barron's

The Chinese leadership is expected to lay out key policy priorities for the world’s second-largest economy in 2026, and could offer hints of any stimulus plan to come.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We have clear directives and priorities: safeguarding Ukrainian interests, ensuring substantive dialogue, and advancing on the basis of the progress achieved in Geneva," Umerov wrote on X.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference