important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt 

 especially Southern US and New England  -tənt,

-dənt

1

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

2

: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance

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

• 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

The Oceans 11 star said that being in such close proximity to major stars taught him an important lesson early in his career. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025

Captains of both sides had been together in backing the resistance of their players’ union to the idea of La Liga games being played outside Spain — and such unanimity was important for the players to have a chance of taking on their bosses. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

And that’s all the more important in this age of declining viewership, when all forms of entertainment are fighting for the public’s attention. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

Derek Hough is firing back after Ryan Seacrest accused him of nearly breaking an important Wheel of Fortune set piece. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Oct. 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