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
Residents and legislators have called for an outright ban of nonessential flights, including sightseeing choppers and commuter flights, which vastly outnumber flights piloted by emergency personnel or media.
—
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
The portion of the document viewed by The Hill does not list agencies that are considered nonessential.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
Retail sales rose a modest 0.2% in February even as households prioritize necessities over nonessential purchases.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
Get real about your spending The goal of a low-buy or no-buy challenge is to break the cycle of overconsumption by cutting nonessential spending for a set period.
—Nerdwallet, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
The portion of the document viewed by The Hill does not list agencies that are considered nonessential.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
Retail sales rose a modest 0.2% in February even as households prioritize necessities over nonessential purchases.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
Get real about your spending The goal of a low-buy or no-buy challenge is to break the cycle of overconsumption by cutting nonessential spending for a set period.
—Nerdwallet, Boston Herald, 27 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 21 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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