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

• dispensable
• gratuitous
• inessential
• needless
• uncalled-for
• unessential
• unnecessary
• unwarranted

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

When the government shuts down, all nonessential federal services cease while federal staff classed as essential workers, such as the TSA, police and air traffic control, may be forced to work without pay. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

If Congress is unable to pass funding to keep the government running by midnight Friday, nonessential federal operations would stop working, The New York Times reported. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2024

If funding can’t be secured, the government shuts down, cutting off all nonessential functions. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Dec. 2024

The deadline at that time was September 30, and without a compromise, the government would have shut down, meaning that all nonessential government functions would have stopped. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nonessential

• nonessential amino acid

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