emergency
ih-MUR-juhn-see
Emergency (noun) means a sudden, serious situation that requires immediate action. Example: “The nurse stayed calm throughout the emergency and helped everyone leave the building.”
noun
1
A sudden, serious situation that requires immediate action.
"The nurse stayed calm throughout the emergency and helped everyone leave the building."
"Call 999 in case of a medical emergency."
"The government declared a state of emergency after the floods."
2
The department of a hospital that treats people needing urgent medical care.
"My sister works in emergency, so she often finishes her shifts very late."
"The ambulance took her straight to emergency, where a doctor saw her quickly."
"They rushed him to emergency after the accident."
How to use emergency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden crisis needing urgent attention, or the part of a hospital that handles urgent cases.
UK vs US
In UK English the hospital department is usually called "A&E" (Accident & Emergency); in US English it's the "ER" or "emergency room."
Common pairings
medical emergency
emergency room
state of emergency
in case of emergency
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Word forms
- Plural
- emergencies
Fill the gap
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The nurse stayed calm throughout the _____ and helped everyone leave the building.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin emergentia, "an unforeseen occurrence," from Latin emergens, present participle of emergere, "to arise, come forth."
Synonyms
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crisis
urgent situation
disaster
contingency
predicament
calamity
pinch
exigency
hand brake
parking brake
emergency brake
Related words
Rhymes for emergency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
residency
See all rhymes for emergency →
Frequently asked questions
What does “emergency” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “emergency”?
“Emergency” is pronounced ih-MUR-juhn-see (/ɪˈmɝ.d͡ʒən.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “emergency” in a sentence?
Here is “emergency” used in a sentence: “Call 999 in case of a medical emergency.”
What part of speech is “emergency”?
“Emergency” is a noun.
Where does the word “emergency” come from?
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.".
Is “emergency” a common word?
“Emergency” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “emergency” have?
“Emergency” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden, serious situation that requires immediate action.
What is the difference between an emergency and a crisis?
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.
What are the types of emergency?
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.
What number do you call in an emergency?
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.
What is an example of an emergency?
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.
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