emergency

The word “emergency” means a sudden, serious situation that requires immediate action. In plain terms, a sudden crisis needing urgent attention, or the part of a hospital that handles urgent cases.

“Emergency” is pronounced ih-MUR-juhn-see (/ɪˈmɝ.d͡ʒən.si/ in IPA).

Here is “emergency” used in a sentence: “Call 999 in case of a medical emergency.”

“Emergency” is a noun.

The word “emergency” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin emergentia, "an unforeseen occurrence," from Latin emergens, present participle of emergere, "to arise, come forth.".

“Emergency” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Emergency” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden, serious situation that requires immediate action.

An emergency is a sudden, serious situation needing immediate action, often over quickly — a fire or an accident. A crisis is a period of intense difficulty or danger that can build up and last longer, like a financial or political crisis. An emergency is usually acute and immediate; a crisis is broader and more drawn out.

Common categories include medical emergencies such as heart attacks, fire emergencies, and natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. There are also personal, financial, and public-safety emergencies. What unites them all is the same core feature: a serious, unexpected situation that demands a fast response to prevent harm or loss.

It depends on the country. In the UK you dial 999, in the United States and Canada 911, and across the European Union 112 — which also works alongside many national numbers. These lines connect you to police, fire, and ambulance services for situations needing urgent help.

Examples include a house fire, a car crash, someone collapsing or struggling to breathe, or a sudden flood. Each is unexpected, serious, and calls for immediate action from emergency services or bystanders. The key test is urgency: without a fast response, harm to people or property is likely.