exigency

noun

ex·​i·​gen·​cy ˈek-sə-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce exigency (audio) ig-ˈzi-jən(t)- How to pronounce exigency (audio)
plural exigencies
1
: that which is required in a particular situation
usually used in plural
exceptionally quick in responding to the exigencies of modern warfareD. B. Ottaway
2
a
: the quality or state of being exigent
b
: a state of affairs that makes urgent demands
a leader must act in any sudden exigency
Choose the Right Synonym for exigency

juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, strait (or straits) crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs.

juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Examples of exigency in a Sentence

the exigencies requiring snap decisions that traders on the stock exchange face every day
Recent Examples on the Web The exigencies of climate change and political and class divides have become more alarming, and the mood less frivolous. Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2024 In Europe, wartime exigencies have muted concerns about creeping authoritarianism on NATO’s eastern and southern fronts. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 All the hardships that a winter storm typically delivers were compounded and complicated by the exigencies of war. Marc Santora, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2023 Overheating—often a precursor to recession—is a growing threat, especially when institutions designed to mitigate shocks are either dysfunctional or being obliterated by the exigencies of war. Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 8 Jan. 2024 Luton, in particular, appears to be coming to grips with the exigencies of Premier League soccer at considerable speed, as last week’s (more than merited) draw with Liverpool illustrated. Rory Smith, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2023 Consequently, Ambrose began instituting furloughs and administrative salary rollbacks to meet payroll and debt service payments; two months later, the ASU board of trustees certified Henderson State's recommendation of financial exigency, which allows for terminating tenured faculty. Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2023 The exigencies have turned a cool position into a hot seat. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023 The exigencies of war are many and terrifying, leaving suffering on all sides. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exigency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exigency was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near exigency

Cite this Entry

“Exigency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exigency. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exigency

noun
ex·​i·​gen·​cy ˈek-sə-jən-sē How to pronounce exigency (audio) ig-ˈzij-ən- How to pronounce exigency (audio)
plural exigencies
: a situation requiring immediate action

Legal Definition

exigency

noun
ex·​i·​gen·​cy ˈek-sə-jən-sē, ik-ˈsi-jən-sē How to pronounce exigency (audio)
plural exigencies
1
: that which is required in a particular situation
usually used in pl.
2
a
: the quality or state of being exigent
b
: a state of affairs that makes urgent demands
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!