mattering

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of matter

plural matterings

1. rareThe quality of something that matters; significance; importance.

   But not all matterings matter the same: you value your daily respite at the coffee shop that's long brightened your mornings, but if that shop goes under, you wouldn't—I hope—be facing existential threat.

   2015, John M. Doris, Talking to Our Selves: Reflection, Ignorance, and Agency

   1 more example

   Mattering is "a core, universal human need," a necessary component for well-being, Dr. [Gordon] Flett said. But it's tricky to define, he added, because people sometimes confuse it with belonging, self-esteem and social connection.

   2023, Gail Cornwall, “Want to Believe in Yourself? 'Mattering' Is Key”, in The New York Times