Finding warm and thoughtful ways to express low priority can make conversations feel more respectful, supportive, and considerate, especially when we want others to know their efforts matter even if something is not urgent. Choosing the right alternative words for low priority helps us communicate more gently, allowing our message to feel human, caring, and emotionally intelligent while still being clear about expectations.
What Does “Low Priority” Mean?
The phrase “low priority” simply means that something does not need immediate attention and can be handled later, after more important or time-sensitive tasks are completed. It suggests that the task is still recognized, but it does not require urgent action, pressure, or quick turnaround, allowing someone to work at a comfortable and manageable pace without stress.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Low Priority”?
Yes, it is generally professional and polite to say “low priority,” especially when you want to reduce stress or clarify urgency. However, more thoughtful alternatives can make your communication sound softer, kinder, and more supportive, which can help maintain positive relationships and avoid misunderstandings, especially in sensitive or emotional conversations.
Synonyms for “Low Priority”
- Not urgent
- Can be done later
- No rush
- Whenever you get the chance
- Not time-sensitive
- At your convenience
- When things slow down
- Add it to the bottom of the list
- Only if you have extra time
- Take your time with this
- When you feel ready
- It can wait
- Handle it when possible
- No immediate action needed
- Get to it whenever
- Not pressing right now
- Put it on the back burner
- Not a top concern
- A slower-paced task
- Something to revisit later
1. Not Urgent
Scenario: This phrase is often used when you want someone to know that a task does not require immediate attention and can comfortably be handled after finishing anything more important happening in their day.
Meaning: It means the task can wait because there is no strict deadline and absolutely no pressure attached to completing it quickly.
Examples:
- You can review this document whenever it fits your schedule because it is truly not urgent at all right now.
- Please handle this request whenever it feels manageable for you because it is definitely not urgent today.
- I wanted to share this update, but please know that it is completely not urgent in any way.
- You can take your time with this assignment because it is honestly not urgent or time-sensitive for the team.
- This follow-up can be done later since it is genuinely not urgent at the moment, so no stress.
Tone: Warm, supportive, and gentle.
Detailed Explanation: Using “not urgent” reassures the other person by clearly stating there is no pressure, allowing them to breathe easily and focus on higher-priority responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or rushed by unnecessary expectations.
2. Can Be Done Later
Scenario: You use this when something has value but does not require immediate attention and can sit patiently until a more convenient time appears.
Meaning: The task is acknowledged but postponed, giving room for more important tasks to be handled first without worry.
Examples:
- This update can be handled whenever your schedule opens up because it genuinely can be done later without issue.
- Please know this small task can be done later, so feel free to focus on what matters more today.
- I am sharing this early, but it absolutely can be done later when you feel comfortable starting it.
- If you are busy, this step definitely can be done later, so please don’t feel pressured at all.
- This part of the project can be done later, especially since nothing depends on it right now.
Tone: Reassuring and pressure-free.
Detailed Explanation: Saying “can be done later” helps people feel safe managing their workload because it communicates patience, understanding, and flexibility during your interaction.
3. No Rush
Scenario: Best used when you want someone to feel relieved and free from any time-related pressure.
Meaning: You don’t expect quick action and want the person to proceed at a comfortable pace.
Examples:
- Take your time reviewing this because there is absolutely no rush on my side whatsoever.
- Please handle this whenever you feel ready, as there is truly no rush at all today.
- You can complete this task whenever it makes sense because there is completely no rush for it.
- I wanted to pass this along, but there is definitely no rush, so don’t worry about timing.
- You can reply later because there is honestly no rush, and your well-being matters more.
Tone: Friendly, relaxed, caring.
Detailed Explanation: Using “no rush” instantly reduces tension and communicates emotional consideration, giving the person space to breathe and manage their time thoughtfully.
4. Whenever You Get the Chance
Scenario: Use this phrase when the task is optional, flexible, or not tied to a strict deadline.
Meaning: You want the person to decide their own timeline, based on comfort and availability.
Examples:
- Please look over this message whenever you get the chance, because it is not urgent at all.
- You can update the file whenever you get the chance, since nothing depends on it right now.
- If possible, check the draft whenever you get the chance, as there is no deadline attached.
- Feel free to send your thoughts whenever you get the chance, because I want this to feel easy.
- You can follow up whenever you get the chance, since everything is moving slowly on this part.
Tone: Casual, flexible, kind.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase shows trust and respect by giving the other person full control over when they choose to handle the task.
5. Not Time-Sensitive
Scenario: Ideal for professional settings where you want to clearly communicate that something does not require immediate action.
Meaning: The task has no urgent deadline and can be completed at a relaxed pace.
Examples:
- This assignment is completely not time-sensitive, so please feel comfortable taking your time with it.
- Please know your response is not time-sensitive, and you can handle it when you feel ready.
- This report is not time-sensitive, and we can review it later without any issues at all.
- The update is not time-sensitive, so it will not impact anything if you wait a bit.
- This request is not time-sensitive, letting you prioritize anything else that matters more today.
Tone: Professional, calm, patient.
Detailed Explanation: This wording is perfect for respectful communication because it clearly removes urgency while still sounding organized and thoughtful.
6. At Your Convenience
Scenario: Used when you want someone to handle something in a way that aligns with their comfort and schedule.
Meaning: They are free to choose the time that works best for them.
Examples:
- Please send the updated file at your convenience, because there is no immediate need for it.
- You can finish this at your convenience, since other priorities likely need your attention right now.
- Feel free to reply at your convenience, because nothing about this is urgent in any way.
- Please complete the review at your convenience, and take all the time you need to feel settled.
- You can update the notes at your convenience, especially since we have plenty of time this week.
Tone: Polite, gentle, professional.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase sounds elegant and respectful, giving others autonomy while maintaining professionalism.
7. When Things Slow Down
Scenario: Use this when someone is busy and you want to acknowledge their workload with empathy.
Meaning: They can handle the task once their schedule becomes less demanding.
Examples:
- You can work on this when things slow down, because I know you have plenty happening now.
- Please look at this task when things slow down, so you do not feel overwhelmed or rushed.
- We can revisit this when things slow down, since nothing about it is urgent at the moment.
- Handle this project piece when things slow down, and focus on pressing work today instead.
- You may return to this when things slow down, because I want you to feel supported.
Tone: Empathetic, understanding, supportive.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase shows emotional awareness by validating someone’s busyness and offering genuine flexibility.
8. Add It to the Bottom of the List
Scenario: Used when something is truly the last priority and can wait indefinitely.
Meaning: The task should be handled only after everything else has been completed.
Examples:
- You can add it to the bottom of the list, because this task is not needed anytime soon.
- Please just add it to the bottom of the list, since we have more important tasks right now.
- Feel free to add it to the bottom of the list, because there is no urgency attached to it.
- You may add it to the bottom of the list, focusing on anything that requires quicker action.
- We can easily add it to the bottom of the list, since this part does not impact anything today.
Tone: Clear, honest, casual.
Detailed Explanation: It provides unmistakable clarity about priority while still sounding friendly and straightforward.
9. Only If You Have Extra Time
Scenario: Perfect when you want to emphasize that the task is optional or secondary.
Meaning: The person should only work on it after everything else is handled.
Examples:
- Please do this only if you have extra time, because it is not important right now.
- You can check the file only if you have extra time, since nothing depends on it today.
- Work on this step only if you have extra time, because other tasks should come first.
- You can review this only if you have extra time, as there is genuinely no pressure attached.
- Handle this part only if you have extra time, because the timeline is incredibly flexible.
Tone: Light, considerate, comforting.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase reduces pressure and ensures that the person never feels forced into handling the task prematurely.
10. Take Your Time With This
Scenario: Used when you want the person to feel relaxed.
Meaning: There is no rush and the task can be done at a slow pace.
Examples:
- Please take your time with this, because I want the process to feel stress-free for you.
- Feel comfortable and take your time with this, since we have no deadlines approaching.
- You can take your time with this, because I value your well-being more than speed.
- If needed, please take your time with this, and work through each part carefully and calmly.
- Feel free to take your time with this, because nothing urgent depends on it at all.
Tone: Gentle, patient, warm.
Detailed Explanation: It expresses genuine care by giving someone emotional permission to slow down and breathe.
11. When You Feel Ready
Scenario: Used when the person might need mental, emotional, or schedule-related space.
Meaning: The task can wait until they personally feel prepared.
Examples:
- You can start this when you feel ready, because your comfort truly matters to me today.
- Please check the notes when you feel ready, since there is no strict timeline on this.
- I am sending this now, but handle it when you feel ready, because it is not urgent.
- You can tackle this step when you feel ready, so do not feel pressured at all.
- We can revisit this when you feel ready, because I want you to feel calm while working.
Tone: Safe, comforting, thoughtful.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative shows emotional intelligence by respecting someone’s internal readiness and personal timing.
12. It Can Wait
Scenario: Used when you want to show that something is not urgent.
Meaning: The task does not need immediate action.
Examples:
- Don’t worry about this now because it can wait, so focus on yourself first.
- You can get to this later because it can wait until everything else is settled.
- This update is not urgent, so it can wait until your schedule feels lighter.
- Handle this next week because it can wait, and nothing depends on it today.
- This piece can wait, letting you prioritize what is truly important right now.
Tone: Reassuring, relaxed, supportive.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase gives the other person freedom to postpone without guilt or worry.
13. Handle It When Possible
Scenario: Used for respectful, professional communication.
Meaning: You want it done, but you trust their timing.
Examples:
- Please handle it when possible, because I know you have many responsibilities today.
- You can handle it when possible, since nothing requires it immediately.
- The update can be done later, so please handle it when possible, without pressure.
- Feel free to handle it when possible, because our timeline is very flexible.
- You may handle it when possible, especially if you need space right now.
Tone: Polite, respectful, calm.
Detailed Explanation: It communicates trust and acknowledges someone’s autonomy when planning their tasks.
14. No Immediate Action Needed
Scenario: Useful for clarity in workplace settings.
Meaning: There is zero urgency.
Examples:
- Please note that there is no immediate action needed, so take things slowly.
- You can review this later because there is no immediate action needed right now.
- This file has flexibility, and there is no immediate action needed, so no pressure.
- Handle this whenever, because there is no immediate action needed, and timing is open.
- There is no immediate action needed, so please continue with your current tasks comfortably.
Tone: Clear, professional, steady.
Detailed Explanation: This wording removes confusion and ensures expectations are calmly expressed.
15. Get to It Whenever
Scenario: Casual and friendly.
Meaning: There is no exact timeline.
Examples:
- You can get to it whenever, since this task is not pressing at all.
- Please feel free to get to it whenever, because nothing depends on speed.
- You may get to it whenever, especially if you are handling something more important.
- Just get to it whenever, as the schedule is completely open for this part.
- You can get to it whenever, because I trust your judgment around timing.
Tone: Light, easygoing, supportive.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase keeps communication friendly while reassuring the person that timing is flexible.
16. Not Pressing Right Now
Scenario: Good for workplace updates.
Meaning: The task can wait a while.
Examples:
- This is not pressing right now, so focus on whatever matters more today.
- The update is not pressing right now, letting you breathe a bit.
- This part is not pressing right now, and we can revisit it later.
- Please know it is not pressing right now, so continue with urgent tasks first.
- Our team agreed it is not pressing right now, so take your time.
Tone: Professional, calm, steady.
Detailed Explanation: It softens communication by acknowledging the reduced urgency in a polite manner.
17. Put It on the Back Burner
Scenario: Informal or semi-professional.
Meaning: It should be delayed until later.
Examples:
- We can put it on the back burner, since it is not urgent right now.
- You can put it on the back burner, and revisit once your workload eases.
- Feel free to put it on the back burner, because there is more important work today.
- Let’s put it on the back burner, and return when we have extra time.
- You may put it on the back burner, because nothing is time-sensitive here.
Tone: Casual, friendly, relaxed.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase signals a comfortable delay without diminishing the task’s future importance.
18. Not a Top Concern
Scenario: Used when clarifying priority levels.
Meaning: Other tasks matter more.
Examples:
- This is not a top concern, so please focus on urgent issues first today.
- Our team agreed this is not a top concern, meaning it can wait.
- The update is not a top concern, so take your time reviewing it.
- This project piece is not a top concern, and we will revisit it later.
- It is not a top concern, and nothing depends on it immediately.
Tone: Professional, considerate, honest.
Detailed Explanation: It clearly communicates priority level without sounding disrespectful or dismissive.
19. A Slower-Paced Task
Scenario: Used when you want to encourage thoughtful but calm work.
Meaning: The task can be completed slowly.
Examples:
- This is a slower-paced task, so please move at any speed that feels comfortable.
- You can approach this as a slower-paced task, since nothing is urgent.
- Treat this as a slower-paced task, because the deadline is wide open.
- It’s considered a slower-paced task, so no pressure at all.
- We view this as a slower-paced task, giving you flexibility to work calmly.
Tone: Gentle, encouraging, easygoing.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative invites calm, focused work without feeling rushed.
20. Something to Revisit Later
Scenario: Used when something truly belongs in the future.
Meaning: The task can be postponed indefinitely.
Examples:
- This is something to revisit later, because it does not matter today.
- Please treat this as something to revisit later, since nothing depends on it.
- The update is something to revisit later, allowing you to focus elsewhere.
- This detail becomes something to revisit later, when you feel ready.
- We can make this something to revisit later, because our timeline is open.
Tone: Relaxed, gentle, future-oriented.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase gently shifts focus away from the now and toward a calmer, more open future moment.
Conclusion
Using thoughtful alternatives to “low priority” allows you to communicate with warmth, clarity, and emotional intelligence, helping others feel respected while still understanding the real urgency level. These phrases make communication smoother and more human, especially when you want your message to sound gentle, polite, and considerate.
FAQs
1. What is the most polite way to say low priority?
A very polite option is “at your convenience”, because it respects the other person’s time and comfort.
2. What phrase sounds gentle but still professional?
“Not time-sensitive” sounds both professional and relaxed while still giving clear direction.
3. Can I use these phrases at work?
Yes, every alternative listed above works well in professional, personal, and everyday communication.
4. What phrase shows empathy the most?
“When things slow down” shows deep understanding of someone’s workload and emotions.
5. Which alternative is the most casual?
“Get to it whenever” works best in friendly, informal conversations.
Amelia Bennett is a language writer at GrammerWay who focuses on English grammar, writing clarity, and common language mistakes. She creates simple, practical guides to help readers write confidently and correctly.
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