importunity

noun

im·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌim-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē How to pronounce importunity (audio)
-ˈtyü-
plural importunities
1
: the quality or state of being importunate
2
: an importunate request or demand

Examples of importunity in a Sentence

overwhelmed by the often conflicting importunities of pressure groups

Word History

Etymology

Middle English importunite, borrowed from Anglo-French importunité "inappropriateness," borrowed from Latin importūnitāt-, importūnitās "unfavorableness, lack of consideration for others, relentlessness," from importūnus "not suited to one's purpose, unfavorable, unaccommodating, troublesome, relentless" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at importune entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of importunity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near importunity

Cite this Entry

“Importunity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/importunity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

importunity

noun
im·​por·​tu·​ni·​ty ˌim-pər-ˈt(y)ü-nət-ē How to pronounce importunity (audio)
plural importunities
: the quality or state of being importunate
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