exigency

ex·i·gen·cy

noun \ˈek-sə-jən(t)-sē, ig-ˈzi-jən(t)-\

plural ex·i·gen·cies

Definition of EXIGENCY

1

: that which is required in a particular situation —usually used in plural <exceptionally quick in responding to the exigencies of modern warfare — D. 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>

Examples of EXIGENCY

1. <the exigencies requiring snap decisions that traders on the stock exchange face every day>

First Known Use of EXIGENCY

1581

Related to EXIGENCY

Synonyms: boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk, emergency, extremity, flash point, head, juncture, tinderbox, zero hour

Related Words: contingency, possibility; climax, turning point; happening, landmark, milestone; condition, pass, situation, strait; deadlock, impasse, stalemate; corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, last ditch, pinch, predicament, scrape, spot; eleventh hour, last minute

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See Synonym Discussion at juncture