nonessential

adjective

non·​es·​sen·​tial ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 

1

: not essential

2

: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity to satisfy dietary needs

nonessential fatty acids

see also nonessential amino acid compare essential sense 2b

nonessential noun

Synonyms of nonessential

• unnecessary

Examples of nonessential in a Sentence

All nonessential personnel had to be laid off.

Please avoid all nonessential uses of water.

Recent Examples on the Web

When a team is lean, managers need to make priorities clear, remove nonessential tasks and make sure staff know exactly where to focus their energy. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

French authorities have advised people to postpone nonessential travel and work from home when possible. —ABC News, 11 June 2026

Needs versus wants Before the war, retailers had spent multiple earnings seasons highlighting consumer caution and selectivity as factors that could weigh on sales of nonessential products. —Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

This increases alertness, boosts available energy and temporarily downshifts nonessential functions like digestion. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nonessential

• nonessential amino acid

Rhymes for nonessential

• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• referential
• residential

Kids Definition

nonessential

adjective

non·​es·​sen·​tial ˌnän-i-ˈsen-chəl 

: not necessary or essential

nonessential noun

Medical Definition

nonessential

adjective

non·​es·​sen·​tial -i-ˈsen-chəl 

: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity for normal health and growth

a nonessential fatty acid

compare essential