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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• nonpriority
  adjective

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

Further research into the different functionalities of vitamin D2 and D3 should be a priority in deciding whether vitamin D3 should be the first-line choice of vitamin D supplement, subject to individual requirements.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

“There are no reports of injuries at this time, and our priority remains the safety of our employees, responders, and the surrounding community,” the spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Rajeev Bamra, the associate managing director of Moody’s Digital Economy Group, believes the scale of federal commitment to the technology reflects growing recognition that the technology is both an economic and national security priority.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

There’s no moral bar on European electorates giving the welfare state priority over economic growth, although low growth eventually imposes a fiscal constraint on welfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

We overhear Rae telling the chef to make our order priority number one because “there are Deckers at the table.”

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference