# importance

/ˌɪmˈpɔɹtəns/ (US) · /ɪmpˈɔːtəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/importance
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. value or significance

noun · CEFR B1

the quality of being important or having a big effect on something.

For teachers: the quality of being significant, valuable, or having a substantial impact on a situation or outcome.

- 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'.

### 2. status or rank

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a person's high position or power in society.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The teacher explained the importance of daily practice.
- The doctor stressed the importance of getting enough sleep to help the body recover from the illness.
- Historians often debate the relative importance of individual leaders versus broad social movements in shaping the outcome of the revolution.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.