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

While nonessential activities—such as hiring or discretionary travel—were curtailed, core operations typically continued. —Doug Criscitello, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

The People's Union encourages consumers, where possible, to redirect purchases to small, independent businesses or to delay nonessential shopping for the duration of the boycott. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025

Smith, a Suffield resident, claims the court administration has for years ignored state statutes requiring that outdoor lighting located at state facilities to be designed to minimize light pollution, and for nonessential outdoor lighting be turned off from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025

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