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

• 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

Yet consumers haven’t completely cut out spending on nonessential goods. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 July 2025

Minnesota's new law will reduce, then eliminate, the manufacture and sale of nonessential PFAS products by 2032. —Mark Strassmann july 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025

Reduce the amount of information overwhelming your brain by: • Turning off nonessential alerts. —Ankur Bindal, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The district also reduced bus routes to the state minimum and cut nonessential programming for teachers, Wilson said. —The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

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