Urgent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⏰
urgent
[ˈɜːrdʒənt ]
Definitions
time-sensitive
Requiring immediate action or attention; pressing. Urgent tasks are those that need to be dealt with immediately, without delay.
Synonyms
critical, crucial, important, pressing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| urgent |
Used when something requires immediate attention or action.
|
| pressing |
Used when something needs to be dealt with immediately due to its urgency or importance.
|
| critical |
Used for situations that are extremely important or serious, often involving significant risk or difficulty.
|
| crucial |
Used for situations that are essential or very important to the outcome of a situation.
|
| important |
Used for situations, events, or actions that have significant value or impact.
|
Examples of usage
- This is an urgent matter that cannot wait until tomorrow.
- The patient needs urgent medical attention.
request
Conveying a sense of importance or necessity. An urgent request or message is one that needs to be addressed promptly.
Synonyms
compelling, demanding, imperative, insistent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| urgent |
Use 'urgent' when describing something that needs immediate attention or action.
|
| imperative |
Use 'imperative' to describe something that is essential or of utmost importance.
|
| demanding |
Use 'demanding' to describe tasks or people that require a lot of time, attention, or effort.
|
| compelling |
Use 'compelling' when referring to something that is very interesting or convincing, often something that holds attention because it is so strong.
|
| insistent |
Use 'insistent' to describe someone who is determined and repeatedly demanding something, often in a way that can be perceived as pushy. This word can have a slightly negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- I have an urgent request for you to look into this issue as soon as possible.
- The urgent message was delivered to the recipient without delay.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that people often perceive urgent tasks as more important, influencing their motivation to complete them.
- Psychologists suggest that the feeling of urgency can lead to stress but also boosts productivity in certain situations.
- Urgency affects decision-making processes, causing individuals to prioritize immediate needs over long-term planning.
Pop Culture
- The concept of urgency is often portrayed in action movies, where characters are racing against time to save someone or something.
- Many modern songs discuss feelings of urgency in relationships, emphasizing the need to act quickly before it's too late.
- Television commercials frequently use urgency to promote limited-time offers, motivating consumers to act fast.
Education
- In educational settings, the urgency of completing assignments can impact how students manage their time and tasks.
- Teachers often create a sense of urgency when there are upcoming exams to motivate students to study.
- Urgent situations in classrooms can lead to quick problem-solving skills, helping to prepare students for real-world challenges.
Health
- In medical terms, 'urgent' care refers to conditions that need immediate attention but are not life-threatening.
- Urgent health situations can greatly affect patient outcomes, stressing the importance of quick response.
- Awareness of urgent health signs, like chest pain or severe headache, can save lives when acted upon quickly.
Origin of 'urgent'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'urgent' comes from the Latin word 'urgens', meaning 'to stir up' or 'to press'.
- It has been used in the English language since the early 19th century, originally relating to compelling needs.
- Usage of this word increased significantly during times of crisis, indicative of its importance in communication.
The word 'urgent' originated from the Latin word 'urgens', which means 'pressing, demanding'. The concept of urgency has always been crucial in human societies as it often involves matters of life and death, prompt action, and prioritization. The word has evolved over time to encompass a sense of immediate importance and necessity in various contexts.
See also: urge.