indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl 

1

: absolutely necessary : essential

an indispensable member of the staff

2

: not subject to being set aside or neglected

an indispensable obligation

indispensability

ˌin-di-ˌspen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indispensable noun

indispensableness

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs 

noun

indispensably

ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• all-important
• critical
• essential
• imperative
• integral
• must-have
• necessary
• necessitous
• needed
• needful
• required
• requisite
• vital

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

For Super Bowl broadcasters, game ‘boards’ are an indispensable booth secret. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025

This surge has created unparalleled opportunities for artists to amplify their music and connect deeply with audiences, making public relations an indispensable craft in shaping their stories. —Dr. Brittany Chambers, Forbes, 7 Feb. 2025

By the last few months of the conflict in 1918, Yardley’s agency was indispensable to the American war effort. —Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025

Present in the samples were 14 of the 20 organic compounds called amino acids that are used to make proteins - complex molecules that play indispensable roles in the structure, function and regulation of living organisms. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl 

: absolutely necessary : essential

an indispensable employee

indispensability

-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl 

: 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