priority
gb/pɹaɪˈɔɹəti/ us/pɹaɪˈɔɹəti/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
most important thing to do
Something that is more important than other things and should be done first.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a priority
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'priority' with 'preference'. 'Priority' means importance in order of action, while 'preference' means liking something more than something else.
Synonyms
precedence (More formal term often used in legal or official contexts.)
|
importance (A broader term, not necessarily about order of action.)
Antonyms
low priority (Indicates something is less important and can be done later.)
|
nonessential (Describes something not necessary to address immediately.)
Collocations
top priority
|set priorities
|main priority
|high priority
|first priority
Themes
daily life
|business
|planning
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Improving customer service is our top priority.
- My main priority right now is finishing the project.
- Safety should always be your first priority.
- We need to set clear priorities before starting the work.
- Education is a high priority for the government.
Learner examples
- My priority is to finish my homework.
- Safety is our top priority.
- Work is my main priority today.
- We must set our priorities.
- Family is my first priority.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
status for earlier handling
A special status for something so it is done or sent before other things.
Synonyms
urgency (Focuses on time sensitivity rather than official order.)
Antonyms
standard service (Normal processing without faster handling.)
Collocations
priority mail
|priority support
|priority access
Themes
technology
|logistics
|business
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This package was sent via priority mail.
- Customers with a premium account get priority support.
- Emergency calls are given priority by the system.
Learner examples
- I sent the letter by priority mail.
- VIP guests get priority entry.
- We give priority service to members.
Grammar
Dictionary form
priority
IPA
GB/pɹaɪˈɔɹəti/
US/pɹaɪˈɔɹəti/
Syllables & stress
pri - or - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (or)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: priority
- Plural: priorities, priority
Word family
Forms
priorities
noun
Core family
prioritize
verb B2
Related words
prior
adjective B1
Advanced or less common
prioritization
noun
Expressions
high priority
1/hˈaɪ pɹaɪˈɔɹəti/
fixed phrase
very important and urgent
Very important and needing quick attention or action.
Examples
- This issue is a high priority for the team.
- The police treat missing children cases as high priority.
take priority over
1/tˈeɪk pɹaɪˈɔɹəti ˈoʊvɚ/
fixed phrase
be more important than something else
To be more important than something else and be done or dealt with first.
Examples
- Your health should take priority over your work.
- In this case, safety takes priority over speed.
top priority
1/tˈɑp pɹaɪˈɔɹəti/
fixed phrase
most important thing to do first
The most important thing that must be done before anything else.
Examples
- Customer safety is our top priority.
- Finishing the report is my top priority this week.