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

Meanwhile, nonessential exterior lights were switched off, and the doors to outdoor areas were sealed after sundown, in an effort to fend off swarms of insects — something that’s rarely a consideration at sea. —Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a domestic travel advisory for people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut due to high community transmission of COVID-19 in those states, urging residents to refrain from all nonessential domestic travel for at least 14 days. —The Arizona Republic, 28 Mar. 2024

The ban on nonessential out-of-state travel for city officials was implemented by Adams in September. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2024

Several embassies in New Delhi and Islamabad withdrew their nonessential personnel and issued travel advisories. —Sumit Ganguly, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2019

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