irrelevance

noun

ir·​rel·​e·​vance i-ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being irrelevant

2

: something irrelevant

Synonyms

• extraneousness
• impertinence
• inapplicability

Examples of irrelevance in a Sentence

the irrelevance of the comment brought conversation to a standstill

Recent Examples on the Web

Considering Manchester United’s Premier League campaign has long been consigned to the bin of irrelevance, there was unmistakable pressure in the air at the Vitality Stadium towards the end of the game against Bournemouth. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Another dysfunctional season would be unacceptable, but irrelevance would be worse. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025

Europe, after years of stock market irrelevance, is finally starting to shine. —Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The party, once bankrupt and on the verge of irrelevance in the Bay State, was supposed to be reinvented with new blood at the top and a purging of the old poison like former party chair Jim Lyons. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025

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