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

"They were really high priority science for us, so the fact that they saw four or five was just outstanding."

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Prosecutors were on notice from the Justice Department’s senior leadership that the case was a priority and told to make arrests quickly, current and former prosecutors said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Slaughter declined to say which of any of the party's policies would be a red line in negotiations with other parties hoping to lead the next government, but said that housing was a priority.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Bass has staked much of her reelection campaign on her handling of the homelessness crisis, which she made a top priority as soon as she took office.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Because Galileo rushed into print, his claim to priority was undisputed.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference