par·a·mount 
/ˈperəˌmaʊnt/ adjective
/ˈperəˌmaʊnt/ adjective [more paramount; most paramount] : very important : of highest rank or importance
▪ Safety is of paramount importance. = Safety is paramount. ▪ Unemployment was the paramount [=chief, main] issue in the election.
▪ Safety is of paramount importance. = Safety is paramount. ▪ Unemployment was the paramount [=chief, main] issue in the election.
