important

adjective

im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯr-tᵊnt How to pronounce important (audio)
 especially Southern US and New England  -tənt,
-dənt
1
: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship
2
: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance
3
obsolete : importunate, urgent
Importantly vs. Important: Usage Guide

A number of commentators have objected to importantly as a sentence modifier (the use defined above at sense 1) and have recommended important instead. Actually, both the adverb and the adjective are in reputable standard use in this function. Important is always used with more or most.

had bronze weapons and composite bows; more important, they utilized the horse and war chariot Harry A. Gailey, Jr.
second and most important, the book contains no important woman character F. Scott Fitzgerald

Importantly is commonly used in similar contexts, but it is somewhat more flexible in not requiring more or most.

sticks and, just as importantly, unsticks easily Phoebe Hawkins
importantly, the leaven in the mixture is quality George O'Brien

Examples of important in a Sentence

Diet and exercise are important for health. In his editorial, he made several important points. Scientists have made an important discovery. Doing her job well is important to her. He's one of the most important scholars in his field.
Recent Examples on the Web Our comprehensive solutions are used by thousands of customers from emerging startups to multi-billion-dollar global brands, ensuring their most important moments are reaching the right audiences, via our industry-leading newswire, IR website solutions, events technology, and compliance solutions. Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Mayor David Druker agreed and said the ad hoc group could provide important information to SANDAG and update the City Council as the realignment plan proceeds. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2024 Quieting the constant urge to scratch is important since itching worsens eczema. Andrea Stanley, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 Providing training and coaching for teachers is important and the current state commitment falls far short of what would be ideal. Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2024 Here Spinoza prefigures an important active discussion in modern science. The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 This week the spotlight is mainly on China's National People’s Congress, the country's most important political event. Zimo Zhong, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 According to local reports, Jill Biden touched down in Las Vegas on Saturday for a campaign event for her husband President Biden’s re-election efforts in the important swing state of Nevada. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2024 Related article China sinks deeper into deflation as prices fall at fastest rate in 15 years The announcement of the economic growth target for 2024, set to be delivered by Premier Li on Tuesday, is among the most important issues to watch during the two sessions. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'important.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English importante, from Medieval Latin important-, importans, present participle of importare to signify — more at import entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of important was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near important

Cite this Entry

“Important.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/important. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

important

adjective
im·​por·​tant im-ˈpȯrt-ᵊnt How to pronounce important (audio)
-ənt
1
: having great meaning or influence : significant
an important day to remember
our most important product
an important change
2
: having power or authority
an important leader
3
: believing or acting as if one's importance is greater than it really is
importantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on important

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!