unpostponable
Must happen now
Something unpostponable cannot be delayed or put off—it demands immediate attention.
The word emphasizes urgency: The surgery is unpostponable; we operate tonight.
Less common than its opposite, it appears when speakers want to stress that postponement isn't an option.
Required by rule
- compulsoryRequired, not optional
- requisiteSomething absolutely needed
- bindingLegally or morally required
- nonnegotiableCannot be altered
required · enforced · dictated · commanded · decreed · inescapable · unavoidable · incumbent
Time limit for completion
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
critical · immediate · priority · expedite · rush · swift · demanding · precipitate
Impossible to avoid
- unavoidableImpossible to prevent
- inexorableImpossible to prevent
- certainFree from doubt
- destinedFixed by fate
predestined · unalterable · irrevocable · fixed · fated · foregone · assured · guaranteed
Coming toward something
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- impendingSoon to occur
- forthcomingSoon to appear
- nearingGetting progressively closer
mandatory
Required by rule
- compulsoryRequired, not optional
- requisiteSomething absolutely needed
- bindingLegally or morally required
nonnegotiable · required · enforced · dictated · commanded · decreed · inescapable · unavoidable · incumbent · duty-bound
deadline
Time limit for completion
time-sensitive · critical · immediate · priority · expedite · rush · swift · demanding · precipitate · eleventh-hour
inescapable
Impossible to avoid
- unavoidableImpossible to prevent
- inexorableImpossible to prevent
- certainFree from doubt
destined · predestined · unalterable · irrevocable · fixed · fated · foregone · assured · guaranteed
approaching
Coming toward something
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- impendingSoon to occur
- forthcomingSoon to appear
unpostponablepostponable
Capable of being delayed
deferrable · delayable · reschedulable · flexible · movable
post, postpone, postponed, postpones, postponing, postponable, postponement, postponements, position