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

took a position of some importance

b

: an important aspect or bearing : significance

an event of great importance in history

2

obsolete : import, meaning

3

obsolete : importunity

4

obsolete : a weighty matter

Synonyms of importance

• 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

Vianna also noted the importance of further regulating the internet to stop the rapid circulation of misogynistic content. —Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

The success of our football team pales in comparison and importance of his family and his life. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

The alliance has the goal of expanding the reach of the Luke Roux Foundation’s SafeGrad SafeRide education program, which educates high school students on the importance of making responsible choices and the real-world consequences of impaired driving. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026

Still, Billy stressed the importance of the French film financing mechanism, which is essentially funded by a levy on movie tickets, for helping sustain France’s position as one of the world’s most prolific filmmaking nations. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026

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