exigency
What does "exigency" mean?
Exigency refers to an urgent need or a pressing demand that requires immediate attention. Think of a situation where time is running out or circumstances are forcing your hand; it is the "crunch time" of a crisis, a moment where you cannot afford to delay or hesitate. This word is most commonly used in formal or professional contexts, often appearing in legal or political discussions. It implies a sense of pressure or necessity that justifies taking drastic action. You will frequently see it paired with words like "financial," "military," or "legal" to describe specific types of urgent requirements.
"exigency" in conversation
Discussing a sudden office deadline
The client moved the launch date to tomorrow morning.
The client moved the launch date to tomorrow morning.
That’s a major exigency. We’ll need to work through the night to meet it.
That’s a major exigency. We’ll need to work through the night to meet it.
Used here to emphasize the sudden pressure of a work deadline.
A government briefing
We are dealing with a severe resource exigency due to the storm.
We are dealing with a severe resource exigency due to the storm.
Does this mean you'll be deploying the emergency reserves?
Does this mean you'll be deploying the emergency reserves?
Shows the formal, almost bureaucratic use of the word.
"exigency" in a sentence
The exigency of the situation left no room for debate.
The exigency of the situation left no room for debate.
He was forced to address the financial exigencies of the company before he could focus on growth.
He was forced to address the financial exigencies of the company before he could focus on growth.
The court ruled that the military exigencies of the war justified the temporary suspension of certain civil liberties.
The court ruled that the military exigencies of the war justified the temporary suspension of certain civil liberties.
