urgent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'urgent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a strong urgency or increasing pressure to do something. For example: "We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible – it is an urgent matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once again it shows how voluntary action can show the way, proving that a low-carbon future is an essential, achievable and urgent priority.

The Guardian

The urgent challenges require wise and long-term solutions.

The Guardian

At this G20 I brought together a crucial meeting between President Obama and fellow European leaders to insist on urgent progress on a comprehensive EU-US trade deal that could add £10bn to the UK economy alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it is an urgent challenge for the European commission, which appeared to assume that once inside the club of European liberal democracies, nobody could imagine anything better.

The Guardian - Opinion

His last trip was in September 2013 and due to "urgent family reasons" was he forced to postpone a trip in September this year.

The Guardian

For Herbert Girardet, the author of a dozen books on urban theory, this isn't the most urgent concern.

The Guardian

This is all the more urgent because of the growing risk that for the many who have accumulated long jobless spells, discouragement and loss of human capital make their reintegration more difficult, that is, their unemployment risks becoming structural in nature.

The Guardian - Business

Call it a sixth sense, but there are moments when Lost in Showbiz feels the hands of its readers tugging imploringly at its sleeve, their faces upturned, their eyes beseeching, an urgent question forming on their lips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a 500-page report, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) called for urgent improvements in the accountability of undercover firearms operations after finding that a lack of audio or video material "made it difficult, and on occasions impossible, to know with absolute certainty what happened".

The Guardian

Several police forces could be investigated over their handling of sexual abuse allegations against Jimmy Savile after the police watchdog confirmed that an inquiry was a possibility and a lawyer representing alleged victims said there were urgent questions to be answered.

The Guardian

Hopkinson, who wrote a report on rural churches earlier this year that called for urgent reforms in some aspects of their administration, says a tiny congregation is not necessarily a cause for gloom: "It's very important to honour the small.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "urgent", clearly state the reason why immediate action is needed to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "This is urgent", specify "This is urgent because the deadline is tomorrow".

Common error

Avoid using "urgent" excessively, as it can dilute its impact and create a sense of panic rather than genuine concern. Reserve it for situations where immediate action is truly required.

Linguistic Context

The word "urgent" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a need for immediate attention or action. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing situations, requests, and needs, highlighting its role in conveying the critical nature of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the term usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "urgent" is a very common term used to describe situations requiring immediate attention, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to emphasize the necessity of swift action. It sees prevalent use in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "urgent", clarity is key: justify the urgency to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "pressing" or "critical" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. In essence, "urgent" is a powerful tool for highlighting time-sensitive matters, provided it's wielded judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the insistent nature of the need.

critical

Indicates a situation where the outcome is highly dependent on immediate action.

exigent

More formal and emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

immediate

Focuses on the lack of delay required.

time-sensitive

Highlights the importance of acting within a specific timeframe.

imperative

Stresses the authoritative or compelling nature of the need.

acute

Highlights the severity and intensity of the situation.

dire

Emphasizes the extremely serious or dangerous nature of the situation.

crucial

Highlights the decisive importance of something.

compelling

Indicates something that evokes great interest, enthusiasm, or admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "urgent" in a sentence?

The word "urgent" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that requires immediate attention or action. For example, "We received an "urgent request" for assistance" or "There's an "urgent need" to address this issue".

What can I say instead of "urgent"?

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

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

Use "urgent" when the situation genuinely requires immediate action to prevent negative consequences or to capitalize on a time-sensitive opportunity. Avoid using it for routine matters.

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

"Urgent" implies a need for immediate action, while "important" signifies significance or value. Something can be important without being urgent, and vice versa. An "urgent matter" demands immediate attention, while an "important matter" is significant but may not require instant action.