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

Still, even the 12-month moving averages, which may obscure larger increases in individual months, show a significant rise after the March 2020 closing of U.S.-Mexico ports of entry to nonessential traffic. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

On Sunday, the Israeli government reissued a travel warning urging its citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the United Arab Emirates. —Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024

In response to Kogan's killing, Israel also warned against all nonessential travel to the Emirates. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024

The night before, officials had asked residents to curb their electricity use and announced that schools and nonessential businesses would close, The Washington Post reports. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 18 Oct. 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