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

• 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

Animal cams are considered nonessential and will be turned off for the remainder of the shutdown. —The Npr Network, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025

As a result, nonessential services delivered by the federal government have stopped, and programs that rely on federal funding, like SNAP, cannot be paid. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025

The confidence gap was wider when asked about covering nonessential expenses, at 86% to 68%. —Sharon Epperson,stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025

To reduce the risk of heat illnesses, the military generally suspends nonessential outdoor activities on extremely hot days. —Ames Alexander, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nonessential

• nonessential amino acid

Rhymes for nonessential

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

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