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

"The safety and wellbeing of children entrusted to our care is our highest priority," he said, adding that the company was "committed to learning any lessons" that could be taken from this "terrible case".

From BBC

The authors say explaining how consciousness emerges is now an urgent scientific and moral priority.

From Science Daily

Medical evacuees will be given priority to leave through Rafah in the first few weeks, Israeli and Egyptian officials said, as long as they have approval from a third country to treat them.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our priority is to establish the circumstances surrounding what happened. However, based on our enquiries so far, there is nothing to suggest any wider risk to the public."

From BBC

Reducing head count growth without visibly degrading service quality has become a strategic priority.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference