noun
priority
pry-OR-uh-tee/praɪˈɔːrəti/
The status of being more important or needing attention before other things.
The nurse gives the injured patient priority over routine paperwork.
Etymology
Priority originally meant the condition of coming earlier in time, then precedence in rank or right. Coming first in importance led to calling an especially important matter a priority.
In context
hinder me from completing priority tasks. For example, if I have a non-urgent call or task booked in, I may move these to make way for the more important and priority work
More examples
- Patients with serious injuries receive priority in the emergency room.
- These repairs take priority over routine maintenance.
- Keeping the water clean is our highest priority.
Forms
priority · priorities
prioritize verb — To treat something as more important.
Similar words
- precedence
- Emphasizes coming before others in rank, order, or treatment.
- importance
- Describes significance without necessarily implying earlier attention or action.