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
On Wednesday, the State Department and U.S. military directed a voluntary evacuation of nonessential personnel and their families from some U.S. diplomatic outposts in the Middle East.
—
Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
Israeli Army / via AP file U.S. officials have announced the voluntary departure of nonessential employees from the region.
—Courtney Kube, NBC news, 12 June 2025
The Associated Press reported that the order is limited to nonessential personnel at the embassy.
—Sonam Sheth
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
More: With 6 dead in New York, a look at notable fatal helicopter crashes in recent US history
A nuisance for New Yorkers
Most of the nonessential helicopter flights that take off every year in New York City don't end in tragedy.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
Israeli Army / via AP file U.S. officials have announced the voluntary departure of nonessential employees from the region.
—Courtney Kube, NBC news, 12 June 2025
The Associated Press reported that the order is limited to nonessential personnel at the embassy.
—Sonam Sheth
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
More: With 6 dead in New York, a look at notable fatal helicopter crashes in recent US history
A nuisance for New Yorkers
Most of the nonessential helicopter flights that take off every year in New York City don't end in tragedy.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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 18 Jun. 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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