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

Leaders must immediately audit burn rate, freeze nonessential spend, tighten inventory cycles and reforecast ruthlessly. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued travel health notices for both the Congo and Uganda, advising Americans to avoid nonessential travel to the provinces surrounding the outbreak location. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 2026

All schools and nonessential services were also suspended. — Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 25 June 2026

Under a nation-leading pollution prevention law known as Amara's Law, Minnesota is phasing out nonessential use of PFAS in products by 2032. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 18 June 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