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

Prosecutors have stressed the importance of Mortensen’s testimony as the only living person to see the intruder. —Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025

The future is incredibly inspiring as the brand continues to create awareness around the importance of fitness, movement and wellness. —Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The past five days, coach Jamahl Mosley and the Magic stressed the importance of Tuesday’s matchup with the Hawks. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2025

Wicked gives a voice to the original story of The Wizard of Oz's two warring witches, Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, offering a heartfelt look at the importance of friendship and the nuances of politics. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 9 Apr. 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