irrelevance

noun

ir·​rel·​e·​vance i-ˈre-lə-vən(t)s How to pronounce irrelevance (audio)
Synonyms of irrelevancenext
1
: the quality or state of being irrelevant
2
: something irrelevant

Examples of irrelevance in a Sentence

the irrelevance of the comment brought conversation to a standstill
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is familiar territory for singular sports figures; think of how, over three seasons of 100 Foot Wave, big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara has opened up about his own vacillation between craving dominance and fearing irrelevance. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026 One win away from ending 16 years of playoff irrelevance. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026 Celebrate your irrelevance today. Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 That’s patently unfair, because Miami has experienced far more success in recent years, including the two Finals appearances this decade, while the Bulls have languished in irrelevance for years. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irrelevance

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of irrelevance was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irrelevance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrelevance. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

irrelevance

noun
ir·​rel·​e·​vance ir-ˈre-lə-vəns How to pronounce irrelevance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being irrelevant
2
: something that is irrelevant

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