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 sketched out priorities and drafted legislative language on whiteboards, then waited for the opportune moment to introduce a bill.

From Salon

The City Council drops the mayor’s top budget priority.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said customer safety is the company’s highest priority.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Given the scale of damage, restoring connectivity was clearly an immediate priority," he said, detailing the Indian military's assistance in providing portable bridges.

From Barron's

"Decorative lighting, garlands are not a priority," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in early December, instructing citizens to reduce unnecessary consumption.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference