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

The economics might not matter as much in China, given that all of its leading AI developers have state support and AI is seen there as a strategic priority.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

The second-year running back has made it a priority to get close with linemen by talking more and going to their barbecues.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Protecting religious freedom and practice has been a Paxton priority since he became attorney general in 2015, generating loyal support from grassroots conservatives.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

Home visits have dropped dramatically since February, with the health board saying that safety and accessibility of services was its priority during the strike.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

“May I hope, then, that you will give this matter higher priority from now on? There will be little point in our meeting after tonight unless we have that memory.”

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

But as the conflict has worn on, and Tehran has asserted control it didn’t have before over global energy flows in the strait, his priorities appear to have shifted.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

His choices have led him to a particular kind of lifestyle, one that reflects his priorities.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

Making the ground a difficult place for the opposition again will be among Jaissle's priorities after the 38-year-old and his staff were shown around for the first time.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

Taking care of his body for a season that could reach 14 games is one of his most important priorities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

She knew that the truth, whatever it was, would change our struggle, would shift our priorities forever.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference