indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensability noun
indispensable noun
indispensableness noun
indispensably adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here are five practical ways to replace the pressure of being indispensable with high-impact influence that grows your career and supports your team. Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 In the early twentieth century, Einstein formulated equations for the peculiarly relative flow of time, now an indispensable part of the workings of all GPS systems. Alan Lightman september 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025 New Delhi has consistently asserted that resolving the border issue is indispensable to the pursuit of economic partnership and the broader normalization of the India-China relationship. Shyam Saran, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 In the Middle East, Moscow’s old claim to be an indispensable broker appears totally vacuous. Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

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Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
indispensability noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on indispensable

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