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 agency has identified $150 million in savings by canceling nonessential IT contracts. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

The pullbacks in nonessential areas like restaurants and airline travel signals consumers might be turning their concerns about the economy into tighter budgets. —Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2025

During a shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, those deemed nonessential, are furloughed, or sent home without pay. —George Petras, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025

Perform a cash-flow triage: Pinpoint major cost drains, renegotiate contracts and reevaluate nonessential expenses. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nonessential

• nonessential amino acid

Rhymes for nonessential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• referential

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