urgency
UK: ˈɜːdʒənsi | US: ˈɜːrdʒənsi
n. 1. The state of requiring immediate action or attention.
n. 2. A pressing necessity or importance.
The word "urgency" derives from the Latin urgēre ("to press, drive, or compel"), which evolved into the Old French urger (to urge). The suffix "-ency" (from Latin -entia) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. Thus, "urgency" literally means "the state of being pressed or driven," reflecting its modern sense of requiring swift action.
The doctor sensed the urgency of the situation and acted quickly.
There was a note of urgency in her voice as she called for help.
Climate change demands global action with increasing urgency.
The email was marked "high urgency" to ensure a prompt response.
He failed to grasp the urgency of the deadline and missed the submission.