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
Participants have also been asked to not spend any money on gas or at major retailers, and not to use their credit or debit cards for any nonessential spending.
—
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
With nonessential federal employees given the day off, most government offices such as courthouses, Department of Motor Vehicles, and public schools and libraries are closed on Presidents Day.
—Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
Over the weekend, Russ Vought, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the powerful Office of Management and Budget, took over as de facto head of the agency and subsequently ordered all nonessential work there to stop.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Smart omissions, like leaving out an expensive or nonessential garnish.
—Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
With nonessential federal employees given the day off, most government offices such as courthouses, Department of Motor Vehicles, and public schools and libraries are closed on Presidents Day.
—Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
Over the weekend, Russ Vought, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the powerful Office of Management and Budget, took over as de facto head of the agency and subsequently ordered all nonessential work there to stop.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Smart omissions, like leaving out an expensive or nonessential garnish.
—Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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