urgent - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
urgent Word Meanings
- requiring immediate action
- pressing and important
- needing attention right away
urgent Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
urgent Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɜːdʒənt/
US
/ˈɜrdʒənt/
urgent Word Etymology
From Latin 'urgens' (pressing) + 'urgent'. The image of a ringing alarm bell vividly represents the urgency of a situation demanding immediate attention.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I sit with my hands on the phone and shift my weight to the edge of the chair, moving a little closer to the screen. The flashing message demands action, so I shift my plan, push aside distractions, and set a quick pace. My mind tightens as the clock ticks, and I change tack to handle the immediate step. I keep glancing at the time and let the moment push me toward the next move.
Real Context
Urgent is an adjective describing something that requires immediate action or attention because a delay could cause harm, loss, or a worsening situation. It signals time sensitivity and a higher priority than routine tasks. In everyday language we use urgent for emergencies, safety issues, or requests that cannot wait. In professional contexts, tasks labeled urgent demand quick decisions, rapid responses, and clear escalation if needed. The word comes from Latin urgens, meaning pressing, and evokes the idea of a bell or alarm urging action right away. Learners often confuse urgent with important or non-urgent situations, so pairing it with immediacy cues like now or immediately helps keep usage precise.
Usage Reminders
- - Use urgent only for time-sensitive cases, not for all important tasks.
- - Pair urgent with time cues like now, immediately, or today.
- - In emails or messages, consider labeling an item with 'urgent' in the subject or header.
- - Avoid overusing urgent; frequent labeling can desensitize recipients.
- - Check the context: is a delay truly harmful or just inconvenient? If not, consider 'important' instead.
Common Misconceptions
- Urgent means must be done today but not necessarily immediately.
- Urgent is the same as important.
- Urgent can be postponed briefly without consequences.
- Urgent applies to any request, not just time-sensitive ones.
- Urgent is only used in emergencies.
Thinking Differences
Urgent in English cues immediate action; learners often fail to attach explicit time markers (now, immediately) and rely on 'urgent' alone, which can be ambiguous.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: urgent need, urgent care, urgent matter.
- Practice pairing urgent with now, immediately, or today.
- Differentiate urgent from important by asking what happens if you delay.
- Use urgent in subject lines and headers to flag priority.
- Avoid overusing urgent; save it for true time-sensitive tasks.
- Review context cues like deadlines, risk, and impact.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'urgent'?
A.Important
B.Slow
C.Happy
D.Blue
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'urgent' correctly?
A.She took her time to complete the urgent task.
B.He relaxed on the urgent beach.
C.The urgent paper clip held the documents together.
D.The urgent of the situation could not be ignored.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'urgent'?
A.Calm
B.Random
C.Critical
D.Bright
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'urgent'?
A.Flexible
B.Leisurely
C.Passive
D.Swift
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of 'urgent'?
A.The emergency room was bustling with activity.
B.The leisurely stroll in the park was calming.
C.She quickly responded to the urgent email.
D.The joyful celebration lasted late into the night.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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