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
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
Among those proposed earlier this month are reductions in discretionary spending, elimination or reduction of nonessential expenses, cuts in nonessential travel, consolidation of duplicative resources, decreases in department spending and staff streamlining to align with current enrollment needs.
—
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The agency urges Americans to limit nonessential travel to Haiti due to the ongoing violence.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
If someone drastically limits caloric intake or routinely goes 24 hours without eating, the body shifts energy toward essential biological processes and away from nonessential ones, Rossi says.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Those practicing this movement avoid purchasing nonessential items and instead rely on reuse, borrowing, repairing, thrifting, and sharing within their communities.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The agency urges Americans to limit nonessential travel to Haiti due to the ongoing violence.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
If someone drastically limits caloric intake or routinely goes 24 hours without eating, the body shifts energy toward essential biological processes and away from nonessential ones, Rossi says.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Those practicing this movement avoid purchasing nonessential items and instead rely on reuse, borrowing, repairing, thrifting, and sharing within their communities.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
Cite this Entry
“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonessential. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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