relevance

American  

[rel-uh-vuhns] / ˈrɛl ə vəns /

Often relevancy

noun

1. the condition of being relevant, or connected with the matter at hand.

   Some traditional institutions of the media lack relevance in this digital age.

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Etymology

Origin of relevance

First recorded in 1620–30, for an earlier sense; relev(ant) ( def. ) + -ance ( def. )

Example Sentences

The French company said it will implement “an end-to-end ecosystem where cultural relevance drives measurable growth.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Swiss ambassador to the WTO Erwin Bollinger agreed, warning that a loss of relevance by the WTO could "lead to more fragmentation of the trading system".

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The network had bet big on a Paul-fronted season of its flagship reality franchise, whose ratings and cultural relevance have plummeted in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The company has dealt with questions about competition and its sense of style, as it tries to regain fashion relevance with new gear.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

The contending elements—the fact of his death, his relevance to the case—confused Briony and she struggled with her memory.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• applicability
• importance
• purpose