in·dis·pens·able
ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl 
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
is indispensable to the team
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensable
noun
in·dis·pens·abil·i·ty
¦ində̇ˌspen(t)sə¦bilətē
-lətē,
-i
: the quality or state of being indispensable
Examples of indispensable in a Sentence
Adjective
fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth
Recent Examples on the Web
Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
This safety feature is indispensable, which makes this new wave of thefts particularly pernicious.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
This is where artificial intelligence is indispensable.
—Meelan Gupta, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Some workplace experts argue that with more businesses adopting AI tools, soft skills such as empathy, critical thinking and ethical decision-making are worth cultivating to help employees become indispensable.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for indispensable
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Adjective
Pedri — Spain/Barcelona The indispensable midfield brain of Barcelona and Spain, equally capable of dictating possession in deeper areas and picking passes through the opposition lines in advanced ones.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
This safety feature is indispensable, which makes this new wave of thefts particularly pernicious.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
This is where artificial intelligence is indispensable.
—Meelan Gupta, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Some workplace experts argue that with more businesses adopting AI tools, soft skills such as empathy, critical thinking and ethical decision-making are worth cultivating to help employees become indispensable.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for indispensable
Cite this Entry
“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indispensable
adjective
in·dis·pens·able
ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
Legal Definition
indispensable
adjective
in·dis·pen·sa·ble
ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl
: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party
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