Important

adj.thoughtful, capableeveryday

What it means

Having enough value or consequence to deserve particular attention.

Reach for it when identifying what materially affects a person, decision, or outcome

The interviews revealed an important barrier that the survey had missed.

everyday
key
concise language should identify a central contributor
not when Key is vague resume shorthand unless the exact role is also stated.
warm
cherished
importance comes from affection and personal history
not when Cherished is wrong for an urgent technical risk or strategic priority.
warm
meaningful
personal value, purpose, or emotional substance is central
not when Meaningful does not always affect decisions or outcomes.
professional
essential
the thing is required for success or completeness
not when Essential is stronger than important; failure must follow from its absence.
professional
influential
a person or factor changes what others think or do
not when Influence is one kind of importance and should not replace value or necessity.
professional
significant
the effect or meaning is large enough to matter analytically
not when Significant can imply statistical testing, and it does not necessarily mean personally valued.
formal
consequential
the choice will produce substantial results or effects
not when It can sound ominous and is too heavy for affectionate personal value.
formal
notable
the fact deserves mention because it stands out
not when Something notable may be curious rather than consequential.

important decision
The move is an important decision, so each family member will have time to respond.
important role
Volunteers played an important role in keeping the library accessible.
deeply important
The river remains deeply important to the community's identity.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.