# priorities

/pɹaɪˈɔɹətiz/ (US) · /pɹaɪˈɒɹɪtiz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/priorities
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. important tasks

noun · CEFR B1

the things that you think are most important and should be dealt with first.

For teachers: the set of tasks, goals, or values that are ranked according to their relative importance.

- My main priorities this week are finishing my report and visiting my parents.
- The new administration must re-evaluate its fiscal priorities if it hopes to address the growing infrastructure deficit before the next election cycle.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'set', 'order', or 'rearrange'.

## Examples

- My main priorities are my health and my family.
- The manager asked the team to list their top three priorities for the week to ensure the deadline is met.
- Shifting political priorities often lead to the reallocation of funds from long-term infrastructure projects toward more immediate social welfare programs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.