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

• significance
• import
• consequence
• magnitude

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

Smith touched on the importance of the award before the artist touched the stage, especially due to the fact that Abloh was regarded as an innovator and cultural steward. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025

One of the latest episode on his YouTube channel SciShow is all about knitting, and how science is elevating the lowly craft to a place of actual importance. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025

Looking into the future, Updegrove emphasized the importance of national unity. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025

Selling ‘prestige and dreams’ Recognizing the importance of celebrity exposure, Armani hired Wanda McDaniel in 1988 as his West Coast liaison to coordinate Hollywood A-listers’ wardrobes for on- and off-screen appearances. —Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing importance

• a matter of urgency/importance
• self-importance

Rhymes for importance

• portance
• unimportance

Kids Definition

importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s 

-ən(t)s

: the quality or state of being important