Urgent: meaning, definitions and examples

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urgent

 

[ ˈɜːrdʒənt ]

Adjective
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

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.

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.