exigent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exigent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is urgent or requiring immediate attention. Example: "The exigent circumstances of the situation demanded a quick response from the emergency services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are not the only people in the world to have exigent political responsibilities.

The Guardian - Tech

But to invoke its power to lend to other companies in "unusual and exigent circumstances", as it routinely did in 2008 and 2009, it must get the approval of the treasury secretary, and demand enough collateral to protect the taxpayer from loss.

The Economist

Indeed, Gustav proved to be a harsh master and an exigent lord; he became known for being suspicious, mendacious, cruel, vengeful, demagogic, and capricious; and, to his enemies, he seemed to have most of the attributes of a tyrant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mistry's third novel, Family Matters (2002), was set in a tiny two-room flat in modern-day Mumbai and presented a compelling portrayal of a family of Parsis living in exigent circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The motivations of someone concerned about local water quality are exigent and the skill set acquired discrete, whereas a birder may be motivated mostly by pleasure and have thus acquired a broad skill set nearly equivalent to that of a professional scientist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At Baker & McKenzie, she promulgated a "client first" approach whereby lawyers anticipated client needs rather than solely reacting to exigent situations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rigorous and systematic study of the cycling phenomenon had yet to be conducted, and the need was increasingly exigent as cities sought to accommodate existing cyclists clamouring for improvements and to recruit new ones to further alleviate automobile pollution and traffic congestion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the case of Bear Stearns, the Fed had relied on emergency powers, bestowed by the Federal Reserve Act, that allow it to lend in "unusual and exigent circumstances," when the loans are "secured to the satisfaction" of the Fed.

The New Yorker

When the crisis arrived, the Fed had two powerful additional weapons in its arsenal: money and a previously obscure provision of the Federal Reserve Act called Section 13(3), which permitted it to lend money to pretty much anybody it wanted during "unusual and exigent circumstances".

The New Yorker

There isn't a lot in the show to like very much, but the over-all tenor puts me in mind of the "aridity" that, according to another exigent author, John of the Cross, is a key stage in the "dark night of the soul," preceding redemption.

The New Yorker

Video documentation puts us in a strange, morally exigent position: we can't say we didn't see, we never knew; we have no plausible deniability.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exigent" to convey a sense of urgency and immediate action required in formal or legal contexts. For broader audiences, consider using "urgent" or "critical" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "exigent" in casual conversations; it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "urgent" or "pressing" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "exigent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state or situation that demands immediate action or attention. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "exigent" is correctly used to describe something needing immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its primary function is to add urgency to nouns, particularly in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and business. While common, it's advisable to reserve "exigent" for formal scenarios, using simpler synonyms like "urgent" in casual settings. Remember, its precise and formal nature makes it valuable in specific situations, but can sound pretentious if overused. The phrase is common, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

critical

Highlights the importance and potential severity if not addressed promptly.

pressing

Suggests an immediate need that cannot be ignored.

acute

Implies a severe and immediate need for attention.

imperative

Emphasizes the authoritative and unavoidable nature of the need.

compelling

Indicates a forceful and undeniable demand.

demanding

Focuses on the high level of effort or resources required.

crucial

Highlights the decisive importance of the matter.

necessary

Indicates that the action or item is required or indispensable.

vital

Stresses the essential nature for success or survival.

FAQs

How to use "exigent" in a sentence?

You can use "exigent" to describe situations or needs that require immediate attention or action. For example: "The "exigent circumstances" demanded a swift response."

What can I say instead of "exigent"?

You can use alternatives like "urgent", "critical", or "pressing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "exigent"?

The term "exigent" is most appropriate in formal or legal contexts where precise language is important. It's often used in phrases like ""exigent circumstances"" within legal or policy discussions.

What's the difference between "exigent" and "urgent"?

"Exigent" often implies a more formal or critical need than "urgent". While both indicate immediacy, "exigent" suggests a situation that demands immediate action due to its critical or imperative nature.