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
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 city's ban on nonessential travel is on hold after a judge ruled in favor of Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
—
Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Return to Office: Can Companies Afford to Focus On Employee Experience Right Now
In uncertain economic times, companies often cut anything that feels nonessential.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, a majority of Americans (58 percent) reported scaling back on nonessential expenses in anticipation of the 2025 economic climate, with many admitting to cutting back on clothing (45 percent), fuel/gas (34 percent) and groceries (47 percent).
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Failure to agree a deal by Friday at midnight will result in federal workers going on furlough and not receiving pay while nonessential government functions would be put on pause.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Return to Office: Can Companies Afford to Focus On Employee Experience Right Now
In uncertain economic times, companies often cut anything that feels nonessential.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, a majority of Americans (58 percent) reported scaling back on nonessential expenses in anticipation of the 2025 economic climate, with many admitting to cutting back on clothing (45 percent), fuel/gas (34 percent) and groceries (47 percent).
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Failure to agree a deal by Friday at midnight will result in federal workers going on furlough and not receiving pay while nonessential government functions would be put on pause.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
Cite this Entry
“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonessential. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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