priority

Universal Words noun (plural priorities) 1 [C] something that you think is more important than other things and should be dealt with first: a high / low priority * Education is a top priority. * Our first priority is to improve standards. * Financial security was high on his list of priorities. * You need to get your priorities right (= decide what is important to you). * (AmE) You need to get your priorities straight. 2 [U] ~ (over sth) the most important place among various things that have to be done or among a group of people SYNPRECEDENCE: Club members will be given priority. * The search for a new vaccine will take priority over all other medical research. * Priority cases, such as homeless families, get dealt with first. 3 [U] (BrE) the right of a vehicle to go before other traffic at a particular place on a road: Buses have priority at this junction.