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
Officials say the restrictions are intended to reduce nonessential water use.
—
Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Even consumers who can afford to spend are anxious and cutting back on nonessential purchases, leaving many businesses empty.
—Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Officials on Sunday were also asking nonessential businesses to close and said their water service would be shut off.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 11 May 2026
New York Penn Station will also only be open to matchgoers beginning four hours before the start of games, and area residents were urged to avoid nonessential NJ Transit travel on game days.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Even consumers who can afford to spend are anxious and cutting back on nonessential purchases, leaving many businesses empty.
—Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Officials on Sunday were also asking nonessential businesses to close and said their water service would be shut off.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 11 May 2026
New York Penn Station will also only be open to matchgoers beginning four hours before the start of games, and area residents were urged to avoid nonessential NJ Transit travel on game days.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
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 May. 2026.
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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