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

Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology conducted the review, examining a broad range of studies that highlight how pecans fit into modern dietary habits and current health priorities.

From Science Daily

Diversifying funding is a priority, however, it will take some time.

From Salon

And when asked about the risks of taking a baby into the great outdoors, she says Hamish's safety takes priority over everything else.

From BBC

And his priorities on what that peace deal might look like have changed.

From Barron's

The priority is getting on scouts’ radar as quickly as possible—and a season or two on junior varsity is unacceptable.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference