not a priority

USAGE SUMMARY

'not a priority' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to imply that something is not the most important thing to focus on or prioritize. For example, "Exercising regularly is important, but it's not a priority for me right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not a priority".

Independent

Preservation was not a priority.

The New Yorker

It's simply not a priority.

The New York Times - Sports

It's just not a priority.

The Guardian

Innovation was not a priority.

The Economist

"It is not a priority for us.

The New York Times

Desserts are not a priority here.

The New York Times

In college, schoolwork was not a priority.

The New York Times

They are just not a priority.

The New York Times

"It was not a priority.

The New York Times

Not a priority, he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not a priority", clearly state what is a priority to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not a priority" when something is crucial but simply not being addressed due to negligence; this can downplay the seriousness of the situation. Be sure that the term does not undervalue the importance of a topic in specific scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a priority" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of something in relation to its level of importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not a priority" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is of lesser importance compared to other things. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and is used in contexts ranging from News & Media to Science and Business. When using the phrase, it is essential to provide context by stating what is a priority to avoid ambiguity. While "not a priority" is suitable for many situations, it should be used cautiously when discussing issues that are being neglected but are actually important. Consider alternatives like "low on the list" or "less significant" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low on the list

Indicates a lower ranking in terms of importance compared to other items.

not a focal point

Suggests the subject is not receiving primary attention or emphasis.

secondary importance

Highlights that something is less important than other things.

less significant

Implies a lower degree of importance or consequence.

not of prime concern

Indicates something is not the most crucial matter to address.

less urgent

Signifies that something does not require immediate action or attention.

deferred matter

Suggests the issue has been postponed or delayed.

back burner issue

An idiom suggesting something is being kept in reserve for later consideration.

not a pressing matter

Indicates that something does not demand immediate action.

of little consequence

Implies that something is not particularly important or impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "not a priority" in a sentence?

You can use "not a priority" to indicate that something is less important than other things. For example, "While saving money is important, it's "not a priority" for me right now because I have more pressing debts to pay."

What can I say instead of "not a priority"?

You can use alternatives like "low on the list", "less significant", or "not of prime concern" depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to say something is "not a priority"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the issue is actually very important but is being neglected. In such cases, saying it's ""not a priority"" can minimize the seriousness of the situation.

What's the difference between something being "not a priority" and being "unimportant"?

Saying something is ""not a priority"" implies that it has some importance, but other things are more pressing. Saying something is "unimportant" suggests it has very little or no value at all.