nonessential

adjective

non·​es·​sen·​tial ˌnän-i-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for nonessential

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonessential was in 1751

Cite this Entry

“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonessential. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonessential

adjective
non·​es·​sen·​tial ˌnän-i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
: not necessary or essential
nonessential noun

Medical Definition

nonessential

adjective
non·​es·​sen·​tial -i-ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce nonessential (audio)
: being a substance synthesized by the body in sufficient quantity for normal health and growth
a nonessential fatty acid
compare essential

More from Merriam-Webster on nonessential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!