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Synonyms

urgency

American  
[ur-juhn-see] / ˈɜr dʒən si /

noun

plural

urgencies
  1. urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.

  2. urgencies, urgent requirements or needs.


Other Word Forms

  • superurgency noun

Etymology

Origin of urgency

First recorded in 1530–40; from Late Latin urgentia “pressure,” from urgent-, stem of urgēns “pressing” ( urgent ) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This comes as a sense of urgency to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz has been building.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

His comments didn’t signal any urgency to reopen the strait immediately.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

While authorities insist the situation is under control, the imposition of a curfew underscores the seriousness of the threat and the urgency of preventing further escalation.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The desire to expand is a sign that negotiations are “may be picking up in urgency and magnitude,” Amicucci said in a research note Monday.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

He was struck by the urgency in my voice.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt