essential

1 of 2

adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting essence:

a

: constituting the basic nature of a thing : inherent

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach …

—Henry David Thoreau

She stole glances at the smoothness of his face, and the essential boyishness of him …

—Jack London

b

: fundamental, basic

Freedom of speech is essential to democracy.

The essential problem with this plan is the cost.

2

a

: of the utmost importance : indispensable, necessary

essential workers

an essential requirement for admission to college

… essential aid including water, ice and food.

—Steven J. Horowitz

b

: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet

a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids

see also essential amino acid compare nonessential sense 2

3

medical : idiopathic

essential disease

essential hypertension

essentialness

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl-nəs 

noun

essential

2 of 2

noun

1

: something basic or fundamental

—usually used in plural

pantry essentials like flour and sugar

learning the essentials of grammar

2

: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

A picnic should be held among green things. Green turf is absolutely an essential.

—Anthony Trollope

—usually used in plural

… working one job should afford you a safe place to call home and essentials such as food and transportation …

—Yassamin Ansari

Synonyms of essential

Adjective

• necessary
• required
• integral
• needed
• needful
• vital
• critical
• imperative

Noun

• must
• requirement
• necessity
• necessary

Choose the Right Synonym for essential

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of essential in a Sentence

Adjective

As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential.

Free speech is an essential right of citizenship.

The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much.

There's no essential difference between the two products.

Noun

the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude

this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Oriental Narratives on the Global Stage As Chinese brands evolve from chasing scale to shaping meaning, global fashion weeks have become essential to building emotional resonance. —Li Jun, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2025

That makes a portable charger absolutely essential not only for avoiding excessive risks and costs, but also for staying connected on the go. —Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025

Noun

The large Patina serves as a work tote that fits laptops and daily essentials. —Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025

The one-and-done outfit includes a V-neck sweatshirt with a relaxed fit and matching wide-leg pants with a drawstring waistband and two side pockets to stash small essentials. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing essential

• essential amino acid
• essential oil

Rhymes for essential

• potential
• sentential
• confidential
• differential
• inessential
• inferential
• pestilential
• quintessential
• unessential
• equipotential
• experiential
• geopotential

Kids Definition

essential

1 of 2 adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl 

1

: forming or belonging to the essence

free speech is an essential right of citizenship

2

: containing or having the character of an easily evaporated essence

essential oils

3

: important in the highest degree : necessary

food is essential to life

essentiality

-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē

noun

essentially

-ˈsench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

essentialness

-ˈsen-chəl-nəs 

noun

essential

2 of 2 noun

: something basic, necessary, or indispensable

the essentials for success

Medical Definition

essential

adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl 

1

: being, relating to, or containing an essence

an essential odor

2

: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet

The body converts linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid that makes up 60 percent of corn oil—into arachidonic acid.

—Janet Raloff, Science News

see essential amino acid compare nonessential

3

: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic

essential disease