# prominence

/ˈpɹɑmənəns/ (US) · /pɹˈɒmɪnəns/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. fame or importance

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the state of being famous, important, or very easy to notice.

For teachers: the state of being widely known, eminent, or particularly noticeable.

- The young actress rose to prominence after her performance in the summer blockbuster.
- The issue of climate change has gained increasing prominence in international political discourse over the last decade.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'gain', 'rise to', or 'achieve'.

### 2. a physical projection

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a part of something that sticks out or bulges from a surface.

For teachers: a physical protuberance or projection from a surface or body.

- The doctor felt a small bony prominence on the patient's elbow.
- The architect designed the building with several stone prominences to create interesting shadows during the afternoon.

Usage: Common in medical and architectural descriptions.

### 3. mountain height

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the height of a mountain peak compared to the lowest point around it.

For teachers: the vertical distance between a peak and the lowest contour line surrounding it but containing no higher peak.

- Even though the hill is small, its prominence makes it look like a mountain.
- Topographic prominence is a key criterion for hikers who wish to classify a summit as an independent peak rather than a sub-peak.

Usage: Used as an uncountable concept or a countable measurement.

### 4. solar flare

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a large, bright loop of gas that sticks out from the surface of the Sun.

For teachers: a large, bright, gaseous feature extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in a loop shape.

- The scientist used a special telescope to photograph a massive prominence on the Sun.
- During the total solar eclipse, observers were able to see a vivid red prominence erupting from the solar limb.

## Examples

- The scandal gave the actor sudden prominence.
- Her new book gave her prominence in literary circles.
- The architect designed the tower to give the museum visual prominence against the skyline.

---

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.