importance

noun im·por·tance \ im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s , especially Southern US and New England -tən(t)s , -dən(t)s \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of importance

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

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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 of importance from the Web

Its allure in part reflects its importance on the world stage.

— The Economist, "British law firms seek similar across the pond," 12 Apr. 2018
Plus, New Orleans would like more than anything to keep Kamara away from the return game given his importance to the offense (yes, regardless of his explosiveness on special teams).

— larry holder, NOLA.com, "Saints certainly don't need a running back, but ...," 12 Apr. 2018
Aside from their importance to the environment, Hipps says gopher tortoises are just cool animals.

— bethany augliere, National Geographic, "Head-Banging Gopher Tortoise Shows Why The Species Matters," 10 Apr. 2018
Carnegie’s support for libraries reflected a genuine belief in their educational and cultural importance that stemmed from his own experience as an immigrant youth in Pittsburgh, historian Wayne Wiegand said.

— robert mitchell, Washington Post, "Andrew Carnegie built 1,700 public libraries. But some towns refused the steel baron’s money.," 9 Apr. 2018
Given its importance not just to the Senate math, but presidential politics, Florida is sure to be one of the marquee races of 2018.

— terence burlij, CNN, "Senate Key Race alerts: Florida now a Toss-Up while Tennessee is Lean Republican," 9 Apr. 2018
The Constitution says less about the judicial branch than the others, but that belies its importance.

— peter j. wallison, WSJ, "Judges Can Check the Administrative State," 5 Apr. 2018
Attorneys have asked the case be expedited because of its public importance.

— lisa j. huriash, Sun-Sentinel.com, "These 10 cities want to regulate guns. They sued Florida over it.," 2 Apr. 2018
This is not a small thing and the critics often dismiss its importance.

— adam gorgoni, Billboard, "Come Together: Why Songwriters Should Support the Music Modernization Act (Guest Column)," 2 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'importance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of importance

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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importance Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.