priority

[prahy-awr-i-tee, -or-]

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.

adjective

1. highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc..

   a priority task.

priority

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of priority¹

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

Example Sentences

“You have to keep all your planning and priorities in your head. And you need trusted voices to bounce ideas off of.”

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“Ask open-ended questions to better understand their preferences and priorities, such as, ‘What kind of living situation would make you feel most comfortable?’

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The strategy also allowed for firms to occupy key nodes in semiconductor and energy value chains to facilitate foreign cooperation on shared priorities.

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Badinter made ending the death penalty an immediate priority after becoming justice minister in June 1981, ushering a bill through parliament just months later.

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Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, has directed all departments to make plans to eliminate positions that aren’t funded and “not consistent with the president’s priorities.”

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Related Words

• arrangement 
• preference