important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt 

especially Southern US and New England -tənt, 

-dənt

1

a

: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship

an important member of the team

Exercise is important for good health.

b

: deserving serious attention

made several important points

2

: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance

answered in an important manner

3

obsolete : importunate, urgent

Importantly vs. Important: Usage Guide

A number of commentators have objected to importantly as a sentence modifier (the use defined above at sense 1) and have recommended important instead. Actually, both the adverb and the adjective are in reputable standard use in this function. Important is always used with more or most.

had bronze weapons and composite bows; more important, they utilized the horse and war chariot

—Harry A. Gailey, Jr.

second and most important, the book contains no important woman character

—F. Scott Fitzgerald

Importantly is commonly used in similar contexts, but it is somewhat more flexible in not requiring more or most.

sticks and, just as importantly, unsticks easily

—Phoebe Hawkins

importantly, the leaven in the mixture is quality

—George O'Brien

Synonyms of important

• major
• significant
• historic
• big

Examples of important in a Sentence

Diet and exercise are important for health.

In his editorial, he made several important points.

Scientists have made an important discovery.

Doing her job well is important to her.

He's one of the most important scholars in his field.

Recent Examples on the Web

What’s really important about a World Cup is the type of people that go — those passionate fans who will follow their team anywhere. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025

The reason this is so important — untreated hearing loss increases the risk for depression, dementia, and accidents. —Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025

That actually sounds like a movie star, or a writer, or someone very important. —Leigh Scheps, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025

Last month, Russia’s Defence Ministry said North Korean troops who helped Russia repel a major Ukrainian incursion into its western Kursk region are now playing an important role in clearing the area of mines. —CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English importante, from Medieval Latin important-, importans, present participle of importare to signify — more at import entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing important

• all-important
• self-important

Rhymes for important

• unimportant

Kids Definition

important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt 

-ənt

1

: having great meaning or influence : significant

an important day to remember

our most important product

an important change

2

: having power or authority

an important leader

3

: believing or acting as if one's importance is greater than it really is

importantly adverb