Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Importance \Im*por"tance\, n. [F. importance. See {Important}.]
   1. The quality or state of being important; consequence;
      weight; moment; significance.

            Thy own importance know, Nor bound thy narrow views
            to things below.                      --Pope.

   2. Subject; matter. [Obs.]

            Upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature.
                                                  --Shak.

   3. Import; meaning; significance. [Obs.]

            The wisest beholder could not say if the importance
            were joy or sorrow.                   --Shak.

   4. Importunity; solicitation. [Obs.]

            At our importance hither is he come.  --Shak.

Source : WordNet®

importance
     n 1: the quality of being important and worthy of note; "the
          importance of a well-balanced diet" [ant: {unimportance}]
     2: a prominent status; "a person of importance" [syn: {grandness}]