lessen the importance

USAGE SUMMARY

"lessen the importance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has a diminished importance or value. For example, you could say "By offering an alternative solution, her concern about the cost of the project was lessened in importance".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

And when that happens, it tends to lessen the importance of what they're trying to accomplish".

The New York Times

If we deny our happiness, resist our satisfaction, we lessen the importance of their deprivation.

The New York Times - Books

People-to-people contacts would slowly lessen the importance of political symbols, and India would grant Kashmir greater autonomy.

The Economist

But we enjoy our lives because that's what God wants … If we deny our happiness, resist our satisfaction, we lessen the importance of their deprivation.

The Guardian - Books

That this does not lessen the importance of other issues: the environment, transportation, schools, energy, health care, the exodus of the young and the problems of the old and poor.

The New York Times

Powerful vested interests, like some of China's state enterprises (see article), stand in the way.A strong service sector does not ensure an escape from the middle-income trap, or lessen the importance of industry.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

So that has lessened the political angle of this and lessened the importance of it".

The New York Times

The city says its new approach to fighting homelessness lessens the importance of intake centers.

The New York Times

Another change lessens the importance of the margin of victory and puts more emphasis on the victory itself.

The New York Times - Sports

"The amount of television and the proliferation of television channels is lessening the importance of television advertising over time.

The New York Times

"If we lessened the importance of shareholder value, we wouldn't have to witness share prices going up when large companies announce huge job culls.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lessen the importance" when you want to indicate that something is becoming less crucial or significant, often due to changing circumstances or new information. For instance, "Technological advancements have lessened the importance of manual labor in many industries."

Common error

Avoid using "lessen the importance" when you actually mean to eliminate the importance entirely. "Lessen" implies a reduction, not a complete removal. If something is no longer important at all, use phrases like "eliminate the need for" or "render irrelevant" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen the importance" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate a decrease in the significance or relevance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lessen the importance" is a versatile expression used to describe the reduction of significance or relevance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and utility, citing common usage in news, scientific, and general contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a reduction, not an elimination, of importance. Consider alternatives like "reduce the significance" or "downplay the significance" to refine your meaning. This expression has a neutral register, appropriate for a wide range of writing scenarios, from formal reports to general discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the significance

Replaces "importance" with "significance" maintaining a similar level of formality.

diminish the relevance

Focuses on reducing the relevance rather than the overall importance.

downplay the significance

Implies an active effort to make something seem less important.

minimize the impact

Shifts the focus to the effect or consequence rather than the inherent importance.

de-emphasize the role

Specifically targets the role something plays, reducing its emphasis.

trivialize the matter

Suggests treating something important as if it were insignificant.

discount the value

Focuses on reducing the perceived value or worth of something.

undermine the credibility

Implies weakening the believability or trustworthiness.

attenuate the effect

Describes weakening or reducing the effect of something.

soften the impact

Implies a gentler reduction of effect, often in a negative context.

FAQs

How can I use "lessen the importance" in a sentence?

You can use "lessen the importance" to describe how something becomes less significant. For example, "Improved safety measures "lessen the risk" of accidents in the workplace".

What are some alternatives to "lessen the importance"?

Alternatives include "reduce the significance", "diminish the relevance", or "downplay the significance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "decrease the importance" instead of "lessen the importance"?

Yes, "decrease the importance" is a correct and similar alternative to "lessen the importance". Both phrases convey the idea of something becoming less significant. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "lessen the importance" and "ignore the importance"?

"Lessen the importance" suggests a reduction in significance, while "ignore the importance" implies a conscious decision to disregard something's significance entirely. The former indicates a change in value, while the latter indicates a change in attitude.