pressing

adjective

press·​ing ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
1
: urgently important : critical
a pressing issue
2
pressingly adverb

Examples of pressing in a Sentence

a pressing need for reform she had pressing business on the other side of town
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Garza, the economy is more significant, citing a poll conducted in May by sister organization LIBRE Institute that found the economy and jobs are the most pressing concern for a plurality of Latino voters at 47%, with another 35% naming inflation. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025 But while the issue appears to have dropped off the agenda of the mercurial US leader, along with his threats to annex Canada and to take over the Panama Canal, many Danes still see it as their most pressing – and worrying – diplomatic challenge. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025 Security Flaws Security flaws remain one of the most pressing concerns. Daniel Koren, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Lyles had more pressing encounters coming. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pressing

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressing was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressing. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pressing

adjective
press·​ing ˈpres-iŋ How to pronounce pressing (audio)
: needing one's immediate attention
a pressing issue
pressingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pressing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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