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

Language options in lower-income districts, on the other hand, are likely to be reduced or limited as nonessential costs. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a domestic travel advisory for people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut due to high community transmission of COVID-19 in those states, urging residents to refrain from all nonessential domestic travel for at least 14 days. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 27 Mar. 2026

The International Energy Agency has advised working from home, carpooling or using public transportation and cutting out nonessential travel to decrease fuel demand and ease oil prices. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

Are we prepared to reduce nonessential spending and benefits? —Carol Mendelson, Sun Sentinel, 25 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