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

The power-down is a post-splashdown step in which flight controllers shut down nonessential systems and transition the capsule into its recovery configuration. —Miles Doran, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

The government also ordered nonessential employees to work remotely as authorities warned of flooding and possible landslides, with more than a dozen provinces under alert, including the capital, Santo Domingo. —ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

The country has advised citizens to stay at home to avoid nonessential travel and to ride bicycles, carpool and use public transport. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Temporarily reduce nonessential spending. —Tiffany Aliche, SELF, 30 Mar. 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
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• referential

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