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
3
obsolete
: importunity
4
obsolete
: a weighty matter
Synonyms
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
High school phys-ed may have instilled in you the importance of stretching before exercise.
—
Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 5 Apr. 2024
Ellis, the owner and founder of Rock Town River Outfitters, talks with Rex about the importance of the Arkansas River and the potential the river has for outdoors enthusiasts and increasing tourism.
—Rex Nelson, arkansasonline.com, 5 Apr. 2024
Journalists from different desks, including Science, Weather Data, National and Travel, have written about what to expect; the importance of protective gear for safe viewing; the cloud forecast; and how different U.S. towns have prepared for large swaths of spectators.
—Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Activist experiences within movements may have emphasized the importance of ally trustworthiness.
—Preeti Vani, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
The study shows this strain in the parent-teacher relationship underscores the importance of parental involvement in a child's education, which significantly impacts their overall social and emotional development.
—Kristina Behr, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024
White and Lightfoot, represented by activist attorneys, took the case to trial, stressing its importance not just to them, but to protesters against fascism across the country.
—Will Carless, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
First and foremost, the safety of the product was of utmost importance.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Upper management should recognize the importance of addressing such behavior and holding the manager accountable for his actions.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 5 Apr. 2024
Ellis, the owner and founder of Rock Town River Outfitters, talks with Rex about the importance of the Arkansas River and the potential the river has for outdoors enthusiasts and increasing tourism.
—Rex Nelson, arkansasonline.com, 5 Apr. 2024
Journalists from different desks, including Science, Weather Data, National and Travel, have written about what to expect; the importance of protective gear for safe viewing; the cloud forecast; and how different U.S. towns have prepared for large swaths of spectators.
—Emmett Lindner, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Activist experiences within movements may have emphasized the importance of ally trustworthiness.
—Preeti Vani, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
The study shows this strain in the parent-teacher relationship underscores the importance of parental involvement in a child's education, which significantly impacts their overall social and emotional development.
—Kristina Behr, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024
White and Lightfoot, represented by activist attorneys, took the case to trial, stressing its importance not just to them, but to protesters against fascism across the country.
—Will Carless, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
First and foremost, the safety of the product was of utmost importance.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Upper management should recognize the importance of addressing such behavior and holding the manager accountable for his actions.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'importance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near importance
Cite this Entry
“Importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/importance. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
importance
noun
im·por·tance
im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊn(t)s
-ən(t)s
: the quality or state of being important
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