immediate

Universal Words adjective 1 happening or done without delay SYNINSTANT: an immediate reaction / response * to take immediate action * RAM stores information for immediate access. 2 [usuallybeforenoun] existing now and needing urgent attention: Our immediate concern is to help the families of those who died. * The effects of global warming, while not immediate, are potentially catastrophic. * The hospital says she's out of immediate danger. * The report focuses on some of the more immediate problems facing us. 3 [onlybeforenoun] next to or very close to a particular place or time: in the immediate vicinity * The prospects for the immediate future are good. * in the immediate aftermath of the war * The director is standing on her immediate right. * my immediate predecessor in the job (= the person who had the job just before me) 4 [onlybeforenoun] having a direct effect: The immediate cause of death is unknown. IDIOMS see EFFECTn.