indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensability noun
indispensable noun
indispensableness noun
indispensably adverb

Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By integrating these timeless principles into their practices, advisors can position themselves as trusted partners, ensuring their value remains indispensable for an ever-changing consumer. Andres Garcia-Amaya, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 To watch the set’s 20 films in a row is to take an indispensable crash course in the pleasures of a director whose work is still, oddly, a bit underrated given its richness. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024 The idea here is that China, which has become an indispensable supplier for Russia, would be emboldened if Russia wins, and might go on to challenge American power in the Pacific. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024 In February, the Jacaranda new music series, shutting down after two decades of indispensable concerts, went out with a Schoenbergian bang, connecting the composer to Hollywood, Mahler, Coltrane and Boulez. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indispensable 

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near indispensable

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
indispensability noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party

More from Merriam-Webster on indispensable

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