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

First Minister John Swinney has said that ensuring more people are cared for at home and relieving pressure on hospitals is a priority for this year.

From BBC

At the moment, this does not appear to be high on Washington's list of priorities.

From BBC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made overhauling the way the Pentagon buys weapons a priority—saying the department would broaden its range of vendors with more startups and commercial companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don't believe their injuries are life-threatening."

From BBC

For now, the new guidelines encourage people to give priority to home-cooked meals and avoid packaged, prepared, ready-to-eat or other foods that have added sugars and salt.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference