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

For approximately a decade, her husband, Igor, had been dying from a series of treatable cancers in nonessential tissues. —Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025

Nutrients the body can synthesize from other compounds but also can be derived from the diet are considered nonessential. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025

While those videos emphasized creators’ humble collections of clothes, bath products, and makeup, no-buy months or years enact a conscious pause on nonessential shopping. —Allison McClain Merrill, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025

Yet, insurance providers often classify these devices as nonessential, forcing families to depend on public generosity to afford them. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 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