irrelevant
- 1Not connected to the topic in a way that helps or matters.
Like bringing up the weather when someone asks what time it is: it doesn't help answer the question.
Most of what he said was irrelevant to the problem we needed to fix.
The color of the box is irrelevant when we just need to know what's inside.
Similarunimportant, immaterial, inapplicable, incidental
Oppositerelevant, material, pertinent, applicable
Note
- 2Having nothing to do with the topic at all.
Like answering a question about cooking with facts about cars: the two have nothing to do with each other.
The price of gas is irrelevant to how the cake will taste.
She said the rumor was completely irrelevant and refused to discuss it.
Similarunrelated, unconnected, alien
- 3Not connected to the topic in a way that matters.
Like talking about your favorite movie during a math lesson: it has no place there.
That detail is irrelevant, so let's not waste time on it.
The teacher said my question was irrelevant to today's lesson.
Similarunrelated, immaterial, extraneous, inapplicable, inconsequential
Oppositerelevant, pertinent, applicable, germane
Note
- 4No longer famous or popular, and not paid attention to anymore.
Like an old toy nobody wants anymore: it used to be popular, but people have moved on.
That band is irrelevant now, and nobody plays their songs anymore.
He thinks he's still a star, but he's been irrelevant for years.
Similarforgotten, washed-up, outdated, obsolete
Oppositerelevant, popular, current, famous
Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of irrelevant apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
It comes from the prefix ir- (meaning 'not') and the word relevant.