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

• dispensable
• gratuitous
• inessential
• needless
• uncalled-for
• unessential
• unnecessary
• unwarranted

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

Encourage Uninterrupted Time With Focus Blocks Implement focus blocks or entire focus days where all meetings and nonessential communications are paused. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Between mid-March and early May, many U.S. cities and states imposed partial lockdowns, shuttering schools and nonessential businesses. —Ashish Jha, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2020

Newsom declares California Panda Day Survey: Younger homeowners are more willing to tap home equity for nonessential, big-ticket purchases Tall Ship of Delaware, Kalmar Nyckel, to arrive in CT city on voyage from Provincetown, MA John is a 74-pound golden lab. —Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2024

By contrast, nonessential household purchases are cooling off amid higher food costs and the Federal Reserve’s push to tame inflation by keeping interest rates elevated — triggering a long stretch of steep mortgage and credit card rates. —Davis Giangiulio, NBC News, 4 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nonessential

• nonessential amino acid

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