importance

noun

im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯr-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce importance (audio)
 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Investors are valuing OpenAI as essential infrastructure (not a startup anymore), considered to be in the same league as cloud computing or semiconductors, highlighting the strategic importance of foundational AI models. Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 The importance of hairstyles did not disappear from American culture, but even some hairstyles became increasingly subject to claims of biological inevitability: white women grew long hair naturally, and white men grew full beards naturally. Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 Weyman didn’t have long to prepare for the massive character milestone, but emphasized the importance of dialect to his portrayal of the Grey Wanderer. Lauren Coates, Variety, 9 June 2025 That question is of critical importance to tens of millions of law-abiding AR–15 owners throughout the country. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for importance

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of importance was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/importance. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

importance

noun
im·​por·​tance im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce importance (audio)
-ən(t)s
: the quality or state of being important

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