urgent

UK: ˈɜːdʒənt | US: ˈɜːrdʒənt

Definition

  1. adj. requiring immediate action or attention

  2. adj. pressing; critical

Structure
urg <to press, drive>ent <adjective suffix>urg <to press, drive>ent <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "urgent" traces back to Latin urgēre, meaning "to press or drive forcefully." Over time, it evolved through Old French urgent (pressing) into English, retaining the sense of something demanding immediate action. The suffix -ent reinforces its adjectival form, emphasizing a state of pressing necessity.

Examples

  1. The hospital received an urgent call for an ambulance.

  2. She left the meeting due to an urgent matter.

  3. His voice sounded urgent as he explained the situation.

  4. Climate change is an urgent global issue.

  5. Please handle this document—it’s marked as urgent.