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
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
The district also plans to reduce discretionary spending, eliminate or scale back nonessential expenses, consolidate duplicative resources and streamline staffing to align positions to current enrollment and student needs, Frances said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Employees in nonessential positions are typically furloughed, but are also expected to receive backpay when funding for their agencies is restored.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Stretching the life of existing machines—adding modest upgrades where still affordable, delaying nonessential refreshes—can help ride out the worst of the supercycle, which some projections suggest may not normalize until 2027 or later.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
The district also plans to reduce discretionary spending, eliminate or scale back nonessential expenses, consolidate duplicative resources and streamline staffing to align positions to current enrollment and student needs, Frances said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Employees in nonessential positions are typically furloughed, but are also expected to receive backpay when funding for their agencies is restored.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Stretching the life of existing machines—adding modest upgrades where still affordable, delaying nonessential refreshes—can help ride out the worst of the supercycle, which some projections suggest may not normalize until 2027 or later.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 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 11 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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