importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s 

 especially Southern US and New England  -tən(t)s,

-dən(t)s

1

a

: the quality or state of being important : consequence

b

: an important aspect or bearing : significance

2

obsolete : import, meaning

3

obsolete : importunity

4

obsolete : a weighty matter

Synonyms

• account
• consequence
• import
• magnitude
• moment
• momentousness
• significance
• weight
• weightiness

Choose the Right Synonym for importance

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

Examples of importance in a Sentence

The teacher lectured the students on the importance of mutual respect.

He exaggerated the importance of his role in the rescue mission.

The negotiations have taken on added importance in the wake of the bomb attack.

a matter of little importance

Recent Examples on the Web

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook visited the country earlier this year and emphasized its importance to his business. —Mark Gurman and Sarah Zheng / Bloomberg, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

Argenti emphasized the importance of critical thinking skills, encouraging staff (and even his daughter) to explore disciplines like philosophy alongside traditional engineering. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

Their data reveals a concerning trend: from 2016 to 2017, individuals aged 25 to 45 experienced a decline in life expectancy, highlighting the importance of financial planning at a younger age. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024

The bridge remains untouched today as the town holds great importance in maintaining the romantic tradition. —Detroit Free Press, 18 Apr. 2024

In 2016, then-President Barack Obama weighed in on an issue of utmost national importance: Who would win in a rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake? —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024

Hence, comprehending the moon’s importance is crucial for anyone intrigued by the cosmos. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024

The importance of credit: Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial toolbox. —Ryan Steitz, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024

High school phys-ed may have instilled in you the importance of stretching before exercise. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing importance

• a matter of urgency/importance
• self-importance

Kids Definition

importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s 

-ən(t)s

: the quality or state of being important