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

Airlines in the region have said they are giving priority to safety and actively engaging with governments and intelligence agencies.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Strict compliance is a top priority for Nvidia,” a spokesman for the chip giant said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nvidia said in a statement shared with MarketWatch that “strict compliance is a top priority,” and that it is working with its customers and the government to comply with changing export regulations.

From MarketWatch

Mark Walsh, a registered Australian migration agent who helps visitors navigate the visa process, said the government's priority was to "look after Australian citizens and residents".

From BBC

Damage limitation—not selling servers—is probably Super Micro’s short-term priority now.

From Barron's

Related Words

• arrangement
• preference