nonessential

adjective

non·​es·​sen·​tial ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
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

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
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.
The chain stocks more nonessential merchandise compared to competitors such as Walmart (WMT) and Costco (COST). Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 Ensure infrastructure and code are designed for segmentation, allowing easy removal of nonessential components. 7. Deepa Shekhar, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 In response, the FAA had already imposed restrictions on nonessential military helicopter operations near Reagan National Airport. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 To offset cuts, Morgan State, which is a public university, implemented a hiring freeze on nonessential roles, eliminated 35 vacant positions and plans to lay off 15 staff members, almost half of earlier projections, by making cuts in other areas, according to a university spokesperson Tuesday. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonessential

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonessential was in 1751

Cite this Entry

“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonessential. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonessential

adjective
non·​es·​sen·​tial ˌnän-i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
: not necessary or essential
nonessential noun

Medical Definition

nonessential

adjective
non·​es·​sen·​tial -i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity for normal health and growth
a nonessential fatty acid
compare essential

More from Merriam-Webster on nonessential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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