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

indispensability

ˌin-di-ˌspen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indispensable noun

indispensableness

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs 

noun

indispensably

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of indispensable

• essential
• necessary
• integral
• required
• needed
• needful
• vital

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

The person who fills gaps consistently becomes indispensable to the people around them. — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

As the media landscape has become increasingly decentralized, niche publications, newsletters and independent journalists have become an indispensable part of our outreach efforts. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Jen actively reminds her community that the Walk funds crucial research for new treatments and provides indispensable caregiver resources. — Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026

At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for indispensable

• compensable
• condensable
• defensible
• dispensable
• extensible
• insensible
• ostensible
• comprehensible
• indefensible
• reprehensible
• supersensible
• incomprehensible

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl 

: absolutely necessary : essential

an indispensable employee

indispensability

-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

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