importunity

[im-pawr-too-ni-tee, -tyoo-]

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noun, plural im·por·tu·ni·ties for 2.

the state or quality of being importunate; persistence in solicitation.

importunities, importunate solicitations or demands.

Origin of importunity

1425–75; late Middle English importunite < Latin importūnitās. See importune, -ity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for importunity

emphasis, persistence, urging, seriousness, pressure, necessity, desperation, claim, requirement, use, sale, trade, application, call, interest, insistence, need, appeal, order, wish

Examples from the Web for importunity

Historical Examples of importunity

This is the importunity He teaches, and we must learn: to claim and take the blessing.
The Ministry of Intercession
Andrew Murray
That was importunity, that would rather die than not have his people given him.
The Ministry of Intercession
Andrew Murray
In the former you have the importunity that claims and receives an immediate answer.
The Ministry of Intercession
Andrew Murray
"Supposed to mind their own business," said Hal, exasperated with the man's importunity.
Australia Revenged
Boomerang
But he persevered in his request, and wrung from him by his importunity what his deserts could not get.
On Prayer and The Contemplative Life
St. Thomas Aquinas

Word Origin and History for importunity

early 15c., "persistence, insistence; over-eagerness," from Middle French importunité (14c.), from Latin importunitatem (nominative importunitas) "unsuitableness; unmannerliness, incivility," from importunus "unfit, troublesome" (see importune).