In 15 Seconds
- Something that needs immediate attention and action.
- Used to rank tasks or people by importance.
- Common in offices, schools, and busy personal lives.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that needs your attention right now because it is more important than everything else on your list.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a team meeting
Fixing the website bug is a high priority for the tech team today.
Fixing the website bug is a high priority for the tech team today.
Texting a friend about plans
I'd love to go, but finishing this essay is a high priority right now.
I'd love to go, but finishing this essay is a high priority right now.
A doctor talking to staff
This patient is a high priority; please get their results immediately.
This patient is a high priority; please get their results immediately.
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'high priority' is often used to motivate employees. However, if a manager labels everything as 'high priority,' it can lead to 'burnout' and is seen as a sign of poor management. In Japan, 'Saiyuusen' (highest priority) is taken very seriously. If something is labeled this way, it is expected that the person will stay late or do whatever is necessary to finish it immediately. German workplace culture values 'Ordnung' (order). 'Hohe Priorität' is used strictly to follow a logical plan. Changing a priority suddenly is often seen as inefficient. In the world of software development (Silicon Valley style), 'P1' (Priority 1) is the shorthand for 'high priority.' It usually means a 'site-down' emergency.
Use it in Emails
If you want someone to read your email first, put 'High Priority:' at the start of the subject line.
Don't Cry Wolf
If you label everything as high priority, people will stop believing you. Use it sparingly!
In 15 Seconds
- Something that needs immediate attention and action.
- Used to rank tasks or people by importance.
- Common in offices, schools, and busy personal lives.
What It Means
Think of your to-do list. The item at the very top is your high priority. It is the thing that cannot wait. If you do not do it, something might go wrong. It is about urgency and importance combined.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the verb to be. For example, "This project is a high priority." You can also use it as an adjective before a noun. You might talk about a high priority email or a high priority guest. It acts like a label to tell people to pay attention.
When To Use It
Use it at work when a deadline is close. Use it at home when the sink is leaking. It is perfect for when you need to justify why you are doing one thing instead of another. If your friend asks why you cannot hang out, tell them your exam is a high priority. They will understand you are busy with something serious.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for every little thing. If everything is a high priority, then nothing is! It loses its power if you use it for buying milk and finishing a million-dollar deal. Also, avoid it in very romantic or deep emotional moments. Telling your partner they are a high priority sounds a bit like they are a task on your calendar. Use "you mean the world to me" instead!
Cultural Background
In Western corporate culture, we are obsessed with efficiency. Phrases like high priority come from project management. It reflects a culture that values time and organization. It has moved from the office into our daily lives because we all feel busier than ever. It is a very "Type A" personality phrase.
Common Variations
You might hear people say top priority. That is even more urgent than high priority. On the other side, you have low priority. That is the stuff you do when you are bored or have extra time. Some people just say "it's a priority," which is a softer way to say it matters.
Usage Notes
This phrase is very safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember that it sounds a bit 'task-oriented', so use it for goals, chores, and work rather than deep feelings.
Use it in Emails
If you want someone to read your email first, put 'High Priority:' at the start of the subject line.
Don't Cry Wolf
If you label everything as high priority, people will stop believing you. Use it sparingly!
The Hyphen Rule
Use a hyphen when it comes before a noun: 'a high-priority task.' No hyphen when it comes after: 'The task is high priority.'
Examples
6Fixing the website bug is a high priority for the tech team today.
Fixing the website bug is a high priority for the tech team today.
Sets a clear goal for the workday.
I'd love to go, but finishing this essay is a high priority right now.
I'd love to go, but finishing this essay is a high priority right now.
A polite way to decline an invitation by showing you are busy.
This patient is a high priority; please get their results immediately.
This patient is a high priority; please get their results immediately.
Used in medical contexts to show urgency.
Finding the TV remote is my only high priority this evening.
Finding the TV remote is my only high priority this evening.
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation.
Your safety is always our highest priority.
Your safety is always our highest priority.
Expresses deep care and protection.
We will make your request a high priority.
We will make your request a high priority.
A standard way to reassure a customer.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Because the client is unhappy, we must make this project a ____ priority.
'High' is the standard collocation for 'priority.'
Which sentence is the most professional?
You want to tell your coworker that a report is very important.
This uses the correct collocation and sounds professional.
Fill in the missing line.
Boss: 'I've just sent you the files for the merger.' Employee: 'Okay, I'll start on them immediately.' Boss: 'Thanks, ____.'
The boss is confirming the urgency of the task.
Match the priority level to the situation.
1. A leaking pipe in the server room. 2. Organizing the office holiday party (in 6 months). 3. Checking your personal social media.
Urgent repairs are high priority; long-term planning is medium; personal tasks at work are low.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Priority Matrix
High Priority
- • Deadlines
- • Emergencies
- • Client Calls
Low Priority
- • Filing
- • Browsing
- • Optional Meetings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBecause the client is unhappy, we must make this project a ____ priority.
'High' is the standard collocation for 'priority.'
You want to tell your coworker that a report is very important.
This uses the correct collocation and sounds professional.
Boss: 'I've just sent you the files for the merger.' Employee: 'Okay, I'll start on them immediately.' Boss: 'Thanks, ____.'
The boss is confirming the urgency of the task.
1. A leaking pipe in the server room. 2. Organizing the office holiday party (in 6 months). 3. Checking your personal social media.
Urgent repairs are high priority; long-term planning is medium; personal tasks at work are low.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is neutral to formal. It is perfect for the office, but might sound a bit stiff with friends.
Yes, adding 'very' is a common way to add even more emphasis.
'High priority' means it's important. 'Urgent' means it needs to be done *now*. Usually, they go together, but not always.
It is always 'high priority.' 'Highly' is an adverb and doesn't fit here.
The plural is 'high priorities.' For example: 'I have three high priorities this week.'
Yes, in a professional context. 'This client is a high priority for us.'
'Top' is stronger. Use 'top' for the #1 thing and 'high' for the top 3-5 things.
Yes. 'This is a priority' already implies it is important.
It's the opposite. It's something you do only after everything else is finished.
Use a hyphen if it's an adjective before a noun: 'high-priority project.'
Related Phrases
top priority
similarThe most important thing of all.
low priority
contrastSomething that is not urgent or important.
urgent
similarRequiring immediate action.
matter of priority
specialized formSomething that must be dealt with quickly.
