all-important

adjective

all-im·​por·​tant ˌȯl-im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt 

-tənt

: of very great or greatest importance

an all-important question

Synonyms

• critical
• essential
• imperative
• indispensable
• integral
• must-have
• necessary
• necessitous
• needed
• needful
• required
• requisite
• vital

Examples of all-important in a Sentence

that all-important item for a successful birthday party: a fancily decorated cake with candles

Recent Examples on the Web

Mayhem is still sitting pretty inside the top 10 on four different lists across the Atlantic, including the all-important Official Albums chart. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

But then there’s that other level — the all-important Transactions of the Century level. —Jayson Stark, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

All of this comes right in the heart of the all-important spring housing market. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025

Last year, Baldur’s Gate 3 unsurprisingly led both the nominations (11) and awards won (4); in 2025, the top nominee was a bit more of a shock, as local favorite Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was the frontrunner (also with 11), albeit missing out on the all-important Game of the Year shortlisting. —Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-important

• unimportant
• important

Kids Definition

all-important

adjective

all-im·​por·​tant

ˌȯ-lim-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt,

-ənt

: of very great importance

an all-important question