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 of nonessential

• 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

Officials on Sunday were also asking nonessential businesses to close and said their water service would be shut off. —Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 11 May 2026

New York Penn Station will also only be open to matchgoers beginning four hours before the start of games, and area residents were urged to avoid nonessential NJ Transit travel on game days. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

Third, deeming certain services as nonessential reduces people’s access to support. —Ilana Seff, The Conversation, 5 May 2026

That’s because forever chemicals are commonly found in nonessential or more expensive products, such as Scotchgard, weather-resistant apparel and makeup, Vieira said. —Rachel Fobar, Oc Register, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nonessential

• nonessential amino acid

Rhymes for nonessential

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

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