essential

1 of 2

adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent

2

a

: of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary

an essential requirement for admission to college

b

: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet

a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids

see also essential amino acid compare nonessential sense 2

3

: idiopathic

essential disease

essential hypertension

essentialness

i-ˈsen(t)-shəl-nəs 

noun

essential

2 of 2

noun

1

: something basic

the essentials of astronomy

2

: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable

Synonyms

Adjective

• all-important
• critical
• imperative
• indispensable
• integral
• must-have
• necessary
• necessitous
• needed
• needful
• required
• requisite
• vital

Noun

• condition
• demand
• must
• must-have
• necessary
• necessity
• need
• needful
• requirement
• requisite
• sine qua non

Choose the Right Synonym for essential

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of essential in a Sentence

Adjective

As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential.

Free speech is an essential right of citizenship.

The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much.

There's no essential difference between the two products.

Noun

the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude

this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Now, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging as its essential companion. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

Chinese officials began asking foreign companies as early as the second week of April to name the U.S. imports that are essential to their operations and can't easily be replaced, said one of the people. —Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025

Noun

With a dedicated concierge handling every detail, from five-star accommodations to experiences and custom travel essentials, Flexjet ensures your Mom will enjoy seamless comfort, privacy, and unforgettable adventures. —Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

That’s why our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, asked six teenagers about their travel essentials. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 3 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing essential

• essential amino acid
• essential oil

Rhymes for essential

• potential
• sentential
• confidential
• differential
• inessential
• inferential
• pestilential
• quintessential
• unessential
• equipotential
• experiential
• geopotential

Kids Definition

essential

1 of 2 adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl 

1

: forming or belonging to the essence

free speech is an essential right of citizenship

2

: containing or having the character of an easily evaporated essence

essential oils

3

: important in the highest degree : necessary

food is essential to life

essentiality

-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē

noun

essentially

-ˈsench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

essentialness

-ˈsen-chəl-nəs 

noun

essential

2 of 2 noun

: something basic, necessary, or indispensable

the essentials for success

Medical Definition

essential

adjective

es·​sen·​tial i-ˈsen-chəl 

1

: being, relating to, or containing an essence

an essential odor

2

: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet

The body converts linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid that makes up 60 percent of corn oil—into arachidonic acid.

—Janet Raloff, Science News

see essential amino acid compare nonessential

3

: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic

essential disease