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

When going abroad, the right plugs are essential to keep your gadgets charged. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024

One notable example: asparaginase, an enzyme used to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by depriving cancer cells of essential nutrients. —David Cox, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024

Noun

While a scarf and winter hat are wardrobe staples, gloves and mittens are also cold-weather essentials. —Melony Forcier, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Check back often for our constantly rotating Chewy promo code and other ways to save on those important, but sometimes expensive, pet essentials. —Molly Higgins, WIRED, 4 Dec. 2024

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

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