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

Powell, whose term as Fed chair ends on May 15, 2026, also sought to underline the importance of insulating central bankers from political pressure. —Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 July 2025

Borden also underscores the importance of collaborative engagements between technology providers and regulators, stressing the necessity of responsible AI frameworks to ensure secure, compliant deployments. —Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

While some fans expressed disappointment for the change, many emphasized the importance of it. —Caché McClay, USA Today, 1 July 2025

Indoor facilities have grown in importance as MLS considers aligning its schedule with the biggest global soccer leagues. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 July 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