IMPORTUNITY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does importunity mean? 

• IMPORTUNITY (noun)
  The noun IMPORTUNITY has 1 sense:

1. insistent solicitation and entreaty

  Familiarity information: IMPORTUNITY used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IMPORTUNITY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Insistent solicitation and entreaty

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

importunity; urgency; urging

Context example:

his importunity left me no alternative but to agree

Hypernyms ("importunity" is a kind of...):

solicitation (an entreaty addressed to someone of superior status)

 Context examples 

Satisfied that the cause was now on a footing the most proper and hopeful, Sir Thomas resolved to abstain from all farther importunity with his niece, and to shew no open interference.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Here the gentlemen interposed with earnest petitions to be further enlightened on these two last-named points; but they got only blushes, ejaculations, tremors, and titters, in return for their importunity.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Mrs. Jennings, who had been inclined from the first to think Marianne's complaint more serious than Elinor, now looked very grave on Mr. Harris's report, and confirming Charlotte's fears and caution, urged the necessity of her immediate removal with her infant; and Mr. Palmer, though treating their apprehensions as idle, found the anxiety and importunity of his wife too great to be withstood.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)