indispensable
adjective
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
Examples of indispensable in a Sentence
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
Campbell is indispensable here and a solid actor who never overplays the terror but comes loaded for bear when her daughter inherits the curse of Ghostface.
—
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Local guides and fishers were partners in the search, and their knowledge of the forest proved indispensable.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Looking to the future, demographic change will make the work of equality indispensable for anyone seeking to navigate an increasingly complex society.
—Kenji Yoshino, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Take my first meal at Cucina Italiana Magari, one of the city's indispensable fine dining experiences.
—Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indispensable
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Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Local guides and fishers were partners in the search, and their knowledge of the forest proved indispensable.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Looking to the future, demographic change will make the work of equality indispensable for anyone seeking to navigate an increasingly complex society.
—Kenji Yoshino, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Take my first meal at Cucina Italiana Magari, one of the city's indispensable fine dining experiences.
—Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 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 2 Mar. 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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