Other Ways to Say Low Priority For 2026

When you need to describe something that does not require immediate attention, saying “low priority” is clear—but it is not always the best choice. In professional emails, workplace conversations, customer support messages, and everyday communication, choosing the right alternative can make your message sound more precise, diplomatic, or natural.

Other ways to say low priority means: phrases used to describe something that is less urgent, less important, or not currently requiring immediate attention.

Using alternative expressions helps you communicate urgency without sounding dismissive. For example, “low priority” can sometimes sound blunt when discussing a colleague’s request or a customer’s concern. A phrase such as “can be addressed later” or “not currently urgent” may communicate the same idea more tactfully.

This guide covers formal, professional, informal, casual, friendly, and creative other ways to say low priority, with practical examples for emails, workplaces, conversations, social media, customer support, and writing.

Why Use Other Ways to Say Low Priority?

The phrase “low priority” is useful, but context matters. You may want to communicate that something can wait without suggesting that it has no value.

Compare these examples:

• “Your request is low priority.”
• “Your request can be addressed after the more urgent items.”

Both communicate a similar idea, but the second sounds more considerate and professional.

Using appropriate alternatives can help you:

• Sound more professional in workplace communication
• Avoid unnecessarily blunt language
• Clarify levels of urgency
• Improve emails and business writing
• Communicate priorities diplomatically
• Adapt your language to different audiences
• Make everyday conversations sound more natural
• Avoid repetitive wording

The best expression depends on whether you are talking about a task, project, request, issue, message, or personal matter.

Formal Ways to Say Low Priority

Formal alternatives are useful in reports, official correspondence, academic writing, policies, and professional communication where careful wording matters.

1. Of Lower Priority

Meaning: Something is considered less important than other matters.

Tone: Formal and neutral.

Best use cases: Reports, workplace documents, formal emails.

Example: “The remaining updates are of lower priority and can be completed next week.”

Usage warning: Avoid using it when you actually mean something is unimportant.

2. Of Lesser Importance

Meaning: Something has less importance compared with another matter.

Tone: Formal.

Best use cases: Reports, essays, professional writing.

Example: “These secondary concerns are of lesser importance at this stage.”

Usage warning: It can sound overly formal in casual conversation.

3. Not Currently Urgent

Meaning: Something does not require immediate action.

Tone: Formal and diplomatic.

Best use cases: Emails, customer service, workplace communication.

Example: “This matter is not currently urgent, so we can review it during the next meeting.”

Usage warning: Use this when urgency—not overall importance—is the main issue.

4. Lower in Priority

Meaning: Something ranks below other tasks or concerns.

Tone: Formal and straightforward.

Best use cases: Project management, reports, workplace emails.

Example: “The design revisions are lower in priority than the security fixes.”

Usage warning: It may sound impersonal when discussing sensitive issues.

5. Not a Pressing Matter

Meaning: Something does not require immediate attention.

Tone: Formal and measured.

Best use cases: Emails, business correspondence, official communication.

Example: “The formatting issue is not a pressing matter at this point.”

Usage warning: Do not use it if the recipient genuinely needs to act quickly.

6. Can Be Deferred

Meaning: Something can be postponed until later.

Tone: Formal and concise.

Best use cases: Reports, project planning, professional emails.

Example: “The optional documentation can be deferred until the next phase.”

Usage warning: “Deferred” implies postponement, so make sure that is what you mean.

7. May Be Addressed at a Later Stage

Meaning: The matter can wait until a future point.

Tone: Formal and diplomatic.

Best use cases: Business reports, project plans, formal emails.

Example: “The remaining concerns may be addressed at a later stage.”

Usage warning: It can sound vague if you need to provide a specific timeline.

8. Not an Immediate Concern

Meaning: Something does not require attention right now.

Tone: Formal and neutral.

Best use cases: Workplace communication, reports, customer support.

Example: “The minor formatting issue is not an immediate concern.”

Usage warning: Avoid dismissing a concern that may become important later.

Professional and Business Ways to Say Low Priority

In business communication, the goal is usually to communicate priorities clearly without sounding dismissive.

9. Can Be Addressed Later

Meaning: The matter does not need immediate attention.

Tone: Professional and diplomatic.

Best use cases: Emails, workplace discussions, project management.

Example: “The remaining design changes can be addressed later.”

Usage warning: Give a timeline when the recipient needs to know when it will be handled.

10. Not Urgent at This Time

Meaning: The issue does not require immediate action.

Tone: Professional and reassuring.

Best use cases: Emails, customer support, workplace conversations.

Example: “The request is not urgent at this time, so we can include it in the next review.”

Usage warning: “At this time” leaves room for the priority to change.

11. Lower on the Priority List

Meaning: Something ranks below other current tasks.

Tone: Professional and conversational.

Best use cases: Workplace discussions, project management, emails.

Example: “The website color adjustments are lower on the priority list.”

Usage warning: Avoid using this phrase when discussing someone’s personal concern if it could sound dismissive.

12. Not a High-Priority Item

Meaning: Something does not currently rank among the most important tasks.

Tone: Professional and neutral.

Best use cases: Business emails, task management, meetings.

Example: “The optional report is not a high-priority item this week.”

Usage warning: It may sound technical in personal communication.

13. Secondary Priority

Meaning: Something is important but comes after higher-priority matters.

Tone: Professional.

Best use cases: Project plans, workplace communication, business writing.

Example: “The marketing updates are currently a secondary priority.”

Usage warning: Do not use it if the task is genuinely insignificant.

14. Can Wait Until Later

Meaning: Something does not need immediate attention.

Tone: Professional but conversational.

Best use cases: Emails, meetings, workplace conversations.

Example: “The presentation formatting can wait until later.”

Usage warning: Avoid it when someone expects a firm deadline.

15. To Be Handled After Higher-Priority Tasks

Meaning: The task will be completed after more urgent work.

Tone: Professional and specific.

Best use cases: Project management, business emails, task updates.

Example: “The remaining documentation will be handled after the higher-priority tasks are complete.”

Usage warning: This is clearer when the priority order is already understood.

16. Not a Current Focus

Meaning: Something is not among the main areas of attention right now.

Tone: Professional and diplomatic.

Best use cases: Strategy discussions, meetings, business writing.

Example: “Expanding into new markets is not a current focus for the team.”

Usage warning: It does not necessarily mean the matter has low importance permanently.

17. Can Be Scheduled for Later

Meaning: Something can be planned for a future time.

Tone: Professional and practical.

Best use cases: Emails, project planning, customer support.

Example: “The optional training session can be scheduled for later.”

Usage warning: Use it when postponement is acceptable.

Informal and Casual Ways to Say Low Priority

Casual expressions work well when talking with friends, coworkers you know well, or people in relaxed settings.

18. It Can Wait

Meaning: There is no need to deal with something immediately.

Tone: Casual and direct.

Best use cases: Conversation, messaging, informal workplace chats.

Example: “The movie plans can wait; let’s finish this first.”

Usage warning: It may sound dismissive if used toward another person’s concern.

19. It’s Not Urgent

Meaning: Something does not need immediate attention.

Tone: Casual and neutral.

Best use cases: Conversation, texts, workplace chats.

Example: “Don’t worry about the email—it’s not urgent.”

Usage warning: Avoid saying this if someone is waiting for an immediate response.

20. It Can Wait for Now

Meaning: Something can be postponed temporarily.

Tone: Casual and relaxed.

Best use cases: Conversation, messaging, informal emails.

Example: “The grocery shopping can wait for now.”

Usage warning: “For now” suggests the situation may change later.

21. It’s Not That Important Right Now

Meaning: Something is currently less important than other matters.

Tone: Casual and direct.

Best use cases: Conversation, texting.

Example: “The small design issue isn’t that important right now.”

Usage warning: This can sound dismissive when talking about another person’s concern.

22. We Can Deal With It Later

Meaning: The issue can be handled at another time.

Tone: Casual and practical.

Best use cases: Conversation, team chats, informal messages.

Example: “We can deal with the decorations later and focus on the event schedule.”

Usage warning: Use a clear deadline if “later” could cause confusion.

23. It’s on the Back Burner

Meaning: Something has been temporarily set aside for more important work.

Tone: Informal and idiomatic.

Best use cases: Conversations, casual workplace communication.

Example: “The podcast idea is on the back burner until we finish the new project.”

Usage warning: This is idiomatic and may be unsuitable for formal documents.

24. It’s Not a Big Deal Right Now

Meaning: Something does not currently require much attention.

Tone: Very casual.

Best use cases: Conversation, texting, social media.

Example: “The broken button isn’t a big deal right now; we can replace it tomorrow.”

Usage warning: Avoid this phrase when the other person considers the issue important.

Friendly and Creative Ways to Say Low Priority

These alternatives can soften the message while maintaining a warm tone.

25. It Can Take a Back Seat for Now

Meaning: Something can temporarily move behind more important matters.

Tone: Friendly and conversational.

Best use cases: Team conversations, casual messages, social media.

Example: “The extra decorations can take a back seat for now while we finish the main setup.”

Usage warning: The phrase is informal and metaphorical.

26. We Can Circle Back to It Later

Meaning: The topic can be revisited at a future time.

Tone: Friendly and professional.

Best use cases: Meetings, workplace chats, emails.

Example: “Let’s circle back to the optional features after we finish the core release.”

Usage warning: Make sure you actually plan to revisit the topic.

27. Let’s Put That Aside for Now

Meaning: Something can temporarily be set aside.

Tone: Friendly and diplomatic.

Best use cases: Conversation, meetings, group discussions.

Example: “Let’s put that question aside for now and focus on the main issue.”

Usage warning: Tone can become dismissive if said abruptly.

28. It’s Further Down the List

Meaning: Something has a lower position among current priorities.

Tone: Friendly and conversational.

Best use cases: Workplace chats, conversations, project discussions.

Example: “Updating the old templates is further down the list.”

Usage warning: It may need additional context to explain what comes first.

29. We’ll Get to It When We Can

Meaning: Something will be handled when time becomes available.

Tone: Friendly and relaxed.

Best use cases: Casual conversation, team chats.

Example: “We’ll get to the storage room when we can.”

Usage warning: Avoid this phrase when someone needs a specific deadline.

30. It’s Something We Can Tackle Later

Meaning: Something can be handled after more important work.

Tone: Friendly and encouraging.

Best use cases: Workplace conversations, messages, meetings.

Example: “The small website updates are something we can tackle later.”

Usage warning: “Tackle” is conversational rather than formal.

31. Let’s Save That for Later

Meaning: Something should be postponed until a more appropriate time.

Tone: Friendly and simple.

Best use cases: Conversations, meetings, social media.

Example: “That’s a great idea, but let’s save it for later.”

Usage warning: Make sure your wording shows appreciation when postponing someone else’s idea.

32. It’s on the Waiting List

Meaning: Something is waiting behind other tasks or requests.

Tone: Friendly and slightly creative.

Best use cases: Informal conversations, team discussions.

Example: “Your suggestion is on the waiting list while we finish the current updates.”

Usage warning: This can sound playful, so it may not fit serious business situations.

Formal vs Casual vs Friendly: Which Phrase Should You Choose?

Choosing the right alternative depends heavily on your audience.

When to Use Formal Language

Choose formal expressions when communicating with executives, clients, officials, academic audiences, or unfamiliar professional contacts.

Instead of:

“That’s low priority.”

Try:

“That matter can be addressed at a later stage.”

When to Use Professional Language

For workplace communication, phrases such as “not currently urgent,” “lower on the priority list,” and “can be addressed later” usually provide a good balance between clarity and politeness.

When to Use Casual Language

When chatting with friends or close colleagues, natural phrases such as “it can wait” or “we can deal with it later” are usually more appropriate.

When to Use Friendly Language

Friendly alternatives are particularly useful when you want to postpone something without making the other person feel ignored.

For example:

“That’s a good suggestion. Let’s circle back to it after we finish the current project.”

This recognizes the value of the idea while explaining that it is not the immediate focus.

Comparison Table: Other Ways to Say Low Priority

Cultural Notes and Global Usage

Expressions describing priorities can sound different depending on regional and professional communication styles.

US English

American business communication often favors direct but polite wording. Expressions such as “not currently urgent,” “lower priority,” and “can be addressed later” are common in workplace environments.

The idiom “on the back burner” is also widely understood in American English.

UK English

British professional communication may favor slightly more understated phrasing in some contexts. Expressions such as “can be dealt with later,” “not a pressing matter,” or “not currently a priority” can sound natural.

However, both American and British speakers generally understand most of the alternatives in this article.

Global Business Communication

For international communication, clarity is often more important than cleverness. Idioms such as “on the back burner” or “take a back seat” may be less transparent to non-native English speakers.

When communicating with a global audience, prefer:

• “Not currently urgent”
• “Can be addressed later”
• “Lower priority”
• “Can be deferred”
• “Not a current focus”

These expressions are easier to understand across cultures.

Real-Life Examples of Other Ways to Say Low Priority

Email Example

Less effective:

“Your request is low priority.”

More diplomatic:

“Your request is not currently urgent, but we will review it after the higher-priority items have been completed.”

The second version communicates the priority without making the recipient feel ignored.

Workplace Example

“The additional reporting features are lower on our priority list because the team is currently focused on resolving the technical issues.”

This is clear, specific, and professional.

Customer Support Example

Instead of:

“That issue is low priority.”

Try:

“This issue does not require immediate action, but we have documented it and will address it as part of a future update.”

This approach is more reassuring because it confirms that the issue has not been forgotten.

Social Media Example

A casual post might say:

“The weekend chores can take a back seat for now. I’m enjoying the sunshine!”

Here, a friendly expression sounds much more natural than “the chores are low priority.”

Blog Writing Example

Instead of repeatedly writing “low priority,” vary your language:

“Some minor improvements can be addressed later, while the most important changes should remain the primary focus.”

This keeps the writing engaging and avoids repetition.

Team Meeting Example

“That’s a valuable suggestion. Since we have a tight deadline, let’s put it aside for now and circle back after the launch.”

This is especially useful because it acknowledges the idea rather than simply rejecting it.

Common Mistakes When Saying Low Priority

Mistake 1: Sounding Dismissive

Saying:

“That’s low priority.”

can sound like you do not care about the issue.

A softer alternative is:

“It’s not currently urgent, so we can address it after the main tasks.”

Mistake 2: Being Too Vague

“Maybe later” does not explain what will happen.

A stronger version is:

“We can address this after the current release.”

Mistake 3: Using Idioms in Formal Writing

“Put it on the back burner” is natural in conversation but may be inappropriate in an official report.

Use:

“The matter can be deferred.”

Mistake 4: Confusing Low Priority With Low Importance

Something can be important but still have a low immediate priority.

For example:

“The long-term strategy is important, but it is not the team’s immediate focus.”

This distinction is valuable in business and project management.

How to Choose the Best Alternative

Ask yourself three simple questions:

Is It Formal?

If yes, choose “of lesser importance,” “can be deferred,” or “may be addressed at a later stage.”

Is It Professional?

Choose “not currently urgent,” “can be addressed later,” or “lower on the priority list.”

Is It Casual?

Choose “it can wait,” “we can deal with it later,” or “it’s on the back burner.”

Do You Want to Sound Friendly?

Try “let’s circle back to it later,” “let’s put that aside for now,” or “we can tackle that later.”

The key is to match the expression with the relationship, setting, and level of urgency.

FAQ About Other Ways to Say Low Priority

What is another professional way to say “low priority”?

Some professional alternatives include “not currently urgent,” “lower on the priority list,” “can be addressed later,” “not a current focus,” and “can be deferred.”

What is a polite way to say something is low priority?

“It can be addressed later” is a polite and neutral option. You can also say “it is not currently urgent” to emphasize timing rather than importance.

What is a formal word for low priority?

Depending on the context, phrases such as “less urgent,” “of lesser importance,” “secondary,” or “deferred” can communicate a similar idea.

What is a casual way to say low priority?

You can say “it can wait,” “it’s not urgent,” “we can deal with it later,” or “it’s on the back burner.”

Is “on the back burner” the same as low priority?

Usually, yes. It means something has been temporarily placed behind more immediate tasks. However, it is informal and often implies that the matter may be revisited later.

Can something be important but low priority?

Yes. Priority usually describes when something needs attention, while importance describes its overall value or significance. An important long-term project may still be a low immediate priority.

What is the best alternative for a business email?

“Not currently urgent” and “can be addressed later” are excellent choices because they are clear, professional, and relatively neutral.

What should I avoid when saying something is low priority?

Avoid unnecessarily blunt phrases such as “it doesn’t matter” or “it’s not important” when you only mean that something can wait. These expressions can unintentionally dismiss the recipient or issue.

Conclusion

Knowing other ways to say low priority gives you more control over your tone and makes your communication more effective. While “low priority” is perfectly understandable, alternatives such as “not currently urgent,” “can be addressed later,” “lower on the priority list,” “not a current focus,” and “can be deferred” can provide greater precision and diplomacy.

For casual conversations, expressions like “it can wait,” “we can deal with it later,” and “it’s on the back burner” sound more natural. For friendly communication, “let’s circle back to it later” or “let’s put that aside for now” can help you postpone a topic without sounding dismissive.

The best phrase depends on your audience, purpose, and setting. Practice switching between formal, professional, casual, and friendly expressions so your writing always sounds natural and appropriate.

Bookmark this guide for future writing, practice these alternatives in your emails and conversations, and explore more phrase and synonym guides to continue improving your English communication skills.

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Jake M.

Jake M.H. is a USA-based content writer and language enthusiast, and the founder of Synonminfo, a growing platform dedicated to simplifying language and improving everyday communication. His work focuses on providing clear, practical alternatives to common words and phrases, helping readers express themselves more effectively in both writing and conversation.

With a strong passion for vocabulary and language clarity, Jake creates easy-to-understand guides that break down complex expressions into simple, real-life usage. His content is designed for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their communication skills. By using synonyms and alternative phrasing, he helps readers avoid repetition and write with more precision—an approach widely recognized as essential for clearer and more engaging language.

Through consistent, high-quality content, Jake M.H. continues to build Synonminfo into a valuable resource for modern communication, helping readers gain confidence in how they write and speak every day.