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

Kevin De Bruyne’s departure in summer 2025, Bernardo Silva’s this off-season and questions over Rodri’s future mean City need to rebuild the most important part of their creaking winning machine. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 24 July 2026

That advice becomes even more important as skin loses elasticity over time. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026

America’s current struggle with Cyclosporiasis illustrates a different, but equally important weakness. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

John Bergeron, Attalon’s chief executive officer, said serviceability has become just as important as laser performance as the technology matures. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026

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