Urgent: meaning, definitions and examples

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urgent

[ˈɜːrdʒənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. This matter is urgent and cannot wait until tomorrow. Please respond to this urgent email as soon as possible.
pressing	Used when something needs to be dealt with immediately due to its urgency or importance. We must address the pressing issue of climate change. There are pressing matters that require your immediate attention.
critical	Used for situations that are extremely important or serious, often involving significant risk or difficulty. The patient's condition is critical and doctors are doing everything they can. It's critical that we meet the deadline to secure the funding.
crucial	Used for situations that are essential or very important to the outcome of a situation. Making the right decision at this point is crucial for the project's success. It's crucial that all team members understand the new policy.
important	Used for situations, events, or actions that have significant value or impact. Attending the meeting is important to stay informed about company changes. It's important to regularly back up your computer files.

Examples of usage

This is an urgent matter that cannot wait until tomorrow.
The patient needs urgent medical attention.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. I have an urgent message for you. This matter is urgent and cannot wait.
imperative	Use 'imperative' to describe something that is essential or of utmost importance. It is imperative that we meet our deadline. Your presence at the meeting is imperative.
demanding	Use 'demanding' to describe tasks or people that require a lot of time, attention, or effort. Her job is very demanding. The teacher is known to be demanding, but fair.
compelling	Use 'compelling' when referring to something that is very interesting or convincing, often something that holds attention because it is so strong. She gave a compelling argument for her case. The book is so compelling that I couldn't put it down.
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. The salesman was very insistent. She was insistent on getting her way.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "urgent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 urgente

🇮🇳 तत्काल

🇩🇪 dringend

🇮🇩 mendesak

🇺🇦 терміновий

🇵🇱 pilny

🇯🇵 緊急 (kinkyū)

🇫🇷 urgent

🇪🇸 urgente

🇹🇷 acil

🇰🇷 긴급한 (gingeubhan)

🇸🇦 عاجل

🇨🇿 naléhavý

🇸🇰 naliehavý

🇨🇳 紧急 (jǐnjí)

🇸🇮 nujno

🇮🇸 áríðandi

🇰🇿 шұғыл

🇬🇪 სასწრაფო (sastsrapho)

🇦🇿 təcili

🇲🇽 urgente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,912, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4909 receptor
4910 modify
4911 assertion
4912 urgent
4913 achieving
4914 inspiration
4915 connect
...