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

Satur reflected on the growing importance of Thailand on the world fashion stage, with other Thai stars making the front row during men’s and couture weeks. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025

The bipartisan survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners, shows that nearly 74% of voters believe vaccines should be widely accessible, with 81% emphasizing the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in vaccine development. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that such a deal can be hard to reach, emphasizing the importance of a just peace over a swift one. —Iuliia Mendel, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025

His book offers a glimpse into the importance of balancing hormones and working to improve and maintain whole-body health. —Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s 

-ən(t)s

: the quality or state of being important