French word

urgent

Pronunciation

IPA/yʁʒɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveurgent

Example

J'ai une affaire urgente.

I have an urgent matter.

Illustration for urgent (urgent)

More examples

Nous devons prendre une décision urgente.

We must make an urgent decision.

Core concept

A deadline or threat presses a task toward immediate action.

Common phrases

  • une demande urgente

    urgent request

  • un besoin urgent

    urgent need

Similar words

pressant: Demanding quick action because delay could cause trouble.
immédiat: Taking place or needing to take place without delay.
imminent: About to happen, with very little time remaining.

Definition in French

Qui exige une réponse ou une action sans délai à cause d'un délai serré ou d'un danger imminent.

Word origin

French urgent comes from Latin urgere, meaning 'to press or drive', through the present participle urgens, which became an adjective for something pressing.

Usage tips

  • As an adjective, urgent usually follows the noun, as in 'une affaire urgente' or 'un problème urgent'.

Other meanings

  • pressingadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word