# irrelevant

/ˌɪˈɹɛɫəvənt/ (US) · /ɪɹˈɛlɪvənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irrelevant
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. not related to the topic

adjective · CEFR B2

not related to what you are discussing or doing right now.

For teachers: not applicable or pertinent to the matter under consideration. Often used to describe evidence or arguments that do not affect a conclusion.

- His personal life is irrelevant to his ability to do the job well.
- The judge ruled that the witness's previous criminal record was irrelevant to the specific facts of the current case.

Usage: Commonly followed by the preposition 'to'.

### 2. no longer famous

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

no longer popular, important, or famous in the eyes of the public.

For teachers: describing a public figure or entity that has lost cultural significance or social media influence. Often used as a dismissive insult in online spaces.

- The singer became irrelevant after failing to release any new music for a decade.
- In the fast-moving world of social media, yesterday's viral stars can become irrelevant within a matter of weeks.

Teaching tip: This sense is common in internet culture and celebrity gossip; it is much more aggressive and personal than the standard meaning.

## Examples

- His age is irrelevant to his ability to do the job.
- The lawyer argued that the witness's personal history was irrelevant to the facts of the case.
- In the digital age, geographical borders are becoming increasingly irrelevant to the flow of information and the formation of global communities.

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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.