indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl 

1

: absolutely necessary : essential

an indispensable member of the staff

2

: not subject to being set aside or neglected

an indispensable obligation

indispensability

ˌin-di-ˌspen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indispensable noun

indispensableness

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs 

noun

indispensably

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

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

Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth

Recent Examples on the Web

Scotch whisky is an integral part of any home bar and an indispensable component of a whiskey collection. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Judicial review is an indispensable part of the checks and balances embedded in the Constitution as a protection against tyranny. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025

The pregnancy resource organizations that make up the network are doing amazing work to help their communities and are an indispensable resource. —Rita Gagliano, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025

Both Jews and Christians have distinct and indispensable roles to play. —Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for indispensable

• compensable
• condensable
• defensible
• dispensable
• extensible
• insensible
• ostensible
• comprehensible
• indefensible
• reprehensible
• supersensible
• incomprehensible

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl 

: absolutely necessary : essential

an indispensable employee

indispensability

-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl 

: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party