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

Making small talk, waffling about nonessential details, and going over things that have already been covered are a few of the terrible uses of time spent having one-to-one or group calls. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

All nonessential tools and on both spacecraft are also offline by now, including a few heaters. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024

Arkansas taxes diapers at 6.5%, classifying diapers as nonessential or a luxury, Phillips said. —Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 27 Sep. 2024

Avoid using fire pits or fireplaces for nonessential home heating. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 20 June 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