irrelevance

noun

ir·​rel·​e·​vance i-ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being irrelevant

2

: something irrelevant

Synonyms of irrelevance

• inapplicability
• emptiness
• insignificance

Examples of irrelevance in a Sentence

the irrelevance of the comment brought conversation to a standstill

Recent Examples on the Web

Schiano rescued the program from irrelevance, but modest respectability might be all Rutgers can afford this season — if that. — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

In a world that promises to be defined by AI, universities that fail to produce graduates who can use it productively will consign themselves to irrelevance. — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

His career may have developed differently from artists dependent on constant mainstream radio play, but his fans (commonly called Technicians) argue that independence never meant irrelevance. — J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Critics have been crying irrelevance since its earliest days. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for irrelevance

• relevance

Legal Definition

irrelevance

noun

ir·​rel·​e·​vance ir-ˈre-lə-vəns 

1

: the quality or state of being irrelevant

2

: something that is irrelevant