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

Garcia emphasizes the importance of donating new clothing, rather than second-hand items, as many fire victims still need to dress for work or meetings with insurance companies. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2025

Research published in 2010 in Self and Identity notes the importance of self-compassion. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

The Cabinet was meeting well past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath, a rare occurrence and a reflection of the moment’s importance. —Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

What to Know During the visit, Kate served a breakfast of cereal and fruit to the kids and was told by staff about the importance of a nutritious diet. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 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