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

As the mom of two teens, I’d especially like to see our university system be more affordable and accessible, so we all have our personal priorities.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have deep respect for Mayor Bass. We’ve worked closely together on my biggest priorities and her biggest priorities, and there’s significant alignment there,” Raman told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

“I have deep respect for Mayor Bass. We’ve worked closely together on my biggest priorities and her biggest priorities, and there’s significant alignment there,” said Raman, who lives in Silver Lake.

From Los Angeles Times

Though each era brought different priorities, they said, those changes were implemented with input from the field — not by encouraging applicants to align their work with a president’s worldview.

From Salon

A Pink Storage spokesman said: "Our priority has been, and remains, supporting those impacted."

From BBC

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference