urgency

USAGE SUMMARY

"urgency" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that requires immediate attention or that needs to be dealt with quickly. For example: The urgency of the situation calls for us to take action now.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Environment

Politics

Business

Society

Film

Music

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The protesters were issued with a without-notice injunction from the high court but I don't think the urgency was there to justify an injunction of this kind," he said.

The Guardian

The menace had been all German, the South Americans' anxiety prompting a huddle just inside the mouth of the tunnel as they sought urgency with the intrusive television cameras shoved away by Martín Demichelis.

The Guardian - Sport

House speaker John Boehner saying the ruling "underscores the urgency of repealing" the bill.

The Guardian

In fact it removes the urgency required to lead an international campaign to end the ban, as well as relegating the need for social and psychological provision for women who have had abortions or, like Karen, have been victims of the current legislation.

The Guardian

Speaking in Washington, Osborne said that the turmoil in the world's financial markets meant there was now "a far greater sense of urgency" and mounting pressure on Europe from the G20 group of developed and developing nations.

The Guardian - Business

The University of Edinburgh's decision to continue investment is indicative of its failure to recognise both these stark facts and the urgency of the issue.

The Guardian

"The rhetoric had stepped right up because of Wednesday's action and I sensed more urgency from government," he said.

The Guardian

"Pulling those people out of energy poverty is of far greater urgency than the modelled crises that have been advanced".

The Guardian

Nnamdi Obasi, senior Nigeria researcher at the International Crisis Group, attributed the sense of urgency to the prospect of defeat by Buhari.

The Guardian

"States should call on the UAE to reform the kafala system and institute labour law protection in line with international standards as a matter of urgency," Begum said.

The Guardian

Bob Ward, policy and communications director at London's Grantham Research Institute, said the news that warming had been greater than previously thought should cause governments currently meeting in Bonn to act with renewed urgency and lay foundations for a strong agreement at the pivotal climate conference in Paris this December.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "urgency" to underscore the critical nature of a situation that demands prompt attention and action. For instance, "The urgency of the matter necessitates immediate investigation and resolution."

Common error

Avoid overusing "urgency" in contexts where the situation does not genuinely warrant immediate action. Overstating the "urgency" can diminish its impact when truly critical situations arise.

Linguistic Context

The word "urgency" functions primarily as a noun, representing the quality or state of being urgent. It denotes the critical need or insistence that something be done promptly. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sport

14%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Politics

9%

Environment

7%

Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "urgency" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun that signifies the critical need for immediate action. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It commonly appears in news, sports, and opinion contexts, underscoring the importance of timely responses. To maintain clarity, use "urgency" when a situation genuinely demands prompt attention, and consider alternatives like "critical need" or "pressing matter" to refine your message. By recognizing both its communicative power and potential for overuse, you can effectively leverage "urgency" to convey the necessary sense of immediacy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of immediacy

Emphasizes the feeling of needing immediate action or attention.

critical need

Highlights the essential and pressing requirement for something.

pressing matter

Indicates an issue that demands prompt consideration and action.

exigent circumstance

Refers to a situation that requires immediate action or remedy.

imperative

Emphasizes the crucial and unavoidable nature of something.

acute situation

Highlights the severity and urgency of a particular situation.

time sensitivity

Focuses on the importance of acting within a specific timeframe.

need for haste

Stresses the importance of quick action and efficiency.

critical juncture

Implies a decisive moment that requires immediate and careful attention.

high priority

Highlights the importance of addressing something before other concerns.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "urgency" in a sentence?

Use "urgency" to emphasize the need for immediate action or attention. For example, "The "urgency" of the situation demands a swift response", or "There is a great "sense of immediacy" in addressing this issue".

What phrases can I use instead of "urgency" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives such as "critical need", "pressing matter", or "exigent circumstance" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "urgency" and "emergency"?

"Urgency" implies the need for prompt action, while "emergency" refers to a sudden, serious event requiring immediate intervention. "Urgency" highlights the importance of timely action, whereas "emergency" emphasizes the severity and immediacy of the situation.

When is it appropriate to emphasize the "urgency" of a situation?

Emphasize the "urgency" when a situation requires immediate attention to prevent negative consequences or to capitalize on a time-sensitive opportunity. Make sure that the situation effectively requires ""sense of immediacy"" to avoid devaluing the term.