Word
importance
Phoneticsim·por·tance, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɔɹtəns/
UK/ɪmpˈɔːtəns/
Definitions
01value or significance
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being important or having a big effect on something.
n. the quality of being significant, valuable, or having a substantial impact on a situation or outcome.
日本語:重要性※
Español:importancia
“The teacher explained the importance of reading every day to improve your vocabulary.”
“The report highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis over the next decade.”
Usage
Often follows the preposition 'of' in formal structures like 'of great importance'.
Pitfall
This problem has a big importance.
This problem is of great importance.
In formal English, we often use 'of' + 'importance' rather than 'has' + 'importance'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02status or rank
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. a person's high position or power in society.
n. the state of having high social standing, prestige, or authority.
“He was a man of great importance in the local government.”
“Despite her family's historical importance in the region, she preferred to live a quiet life away from the public eye.”
Teaching tip
When referring to people, this sense can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or very formal.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “importance” in context.
Verb
01. attach importance to
“People attach great importance to their personal freedom.”
verb + noun + prep
Adjective
02. great importance
“The teacher stressed the great importance of regular practice.”
adj + noun
03. appreciate importance
04. assess importance
05. assume importance
06. be of the utmost importance
“Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in this legal case.”
07. central importance
08. confirm importance
09. considerable importance
10. critical importance
11. crucial importance
12. demonstrate importance
Etymology
From Middle English importaunce, from Middle French importance, from Medieval Latin importantia. By surface analysis, import (“to be important”) + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/importance
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0