importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s 

 especially Southern US and New England  -tən(t)s,

-dən(t)s

1

a

: the quality or state of being important : consequence

b

: an important aspect or bearing : significance

2

obsolete : import, meaning

3

obsolete : importunity

4

obsolete : a weighty matter

Synonyms

• significance
• import
• consequence
• magnitude

Choose the Right Synonym for importance

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

Examples of importance in a Sentence

The teacher lectured the students on the importance of mutual respect.

He exaggerated the importance of his role in the rescue mission.

The negotiations have taken on added importance in the wake of the bomb attack.

a matter of little importance

Recent Examples on the Web

In his address, Reagan emphasized the importance of free trade, while defending his decision to impose 100% tariffs on affected products. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

If the death of Cinna is a microcosm of the play, the other moment that reinforces the importance of due process in Julius Caesar is even more compressed, lasting a mere eight lines at the start of the fourth act. —JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025

With greater importance placed on controlling the midfield, more teams sought to emulate the 4-3-3 formation and provide greater strength in the middle third of the pitch. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Canvas’ co-chief executive officer Devin Gilmarti spoke of the importance of fashion diplomacy and the idea that creation can unite nations. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing importance

• a matter of urgency/importance
• self-importance

Rhymes for importance

• portance
• unimportance

Kids Definition

importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s 

-ən(t)s

: the quality or state of being important