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. )

Explanation

To know the relevance of something is to know why it matters or how it is important. I don't understand the relevance of this discussion: it doesn't seem important to me. If you don't understand the relevance of the word "relevant" to the discussion of the meaning of the word relevance, we're gonna have some trouble. When something is "relevant," it matters. Its relevance is clear. Relevance is simply the noun form of the adjective "relevant," which means "important to the matter at hand." Artists and politicians are always worried about their relevance. If they are no longer relevant, they may not keep their job. Someone without relevance might be called "irrelevant."

Example Sentences

The theory may also have relevance for future self-replicating AI systems.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

In the mid-1990s, after a period of dwindling ratings and deteriorating cultural relevance, the WWF embarked on a radical brand pivot.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

This spring, he’s been pushed to a new level of musical relevance with his song “Earrings” from his 2024 mixtape, “Sweet Boy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

The basis for the bullish upgrade is that Zscaler’s cybersecurity offerings will grow in relevance in the AI era.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

So to return to Troy McClure and his terrible relevance to modern life, ethos is behind every celebrity endorsement you ever see on television.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• applicability
• importance
• purpose