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

The recommendation is as straightforward as the metric: Optimize your cost structure by cutting nonessential spending and focusing on operational efficiency. —Abhishek Nanda, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

But even as many Americans feel pinched, plenty have found the funds for nonessential items like jewelry. —Time Staff, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024

Steps to bring the budget back into balance include using excess revenues such as reserves and tax increment financing funds, canceling a less essential capital project that was to be funded with cash or placing a nonessential cultural program on hold until a recovery. —Michael D. Belsky, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024

Choppy flight Boeing is implementing a hiring freeze amid plans to cut costs, such as pausing nonessential staff travel. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Sep. 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