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
Some federal workers, those considered nonessential, stop coming to work and getting paid.
—
Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Drivers should plan for variable visibility during the morning commute and consider delaying nonessential travel until after the fog clears.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
The other 11 are nonessential because the body is able to produce them itself or synthesize them from the essential amino acids, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Aug. 2025
All nonessential government employees are off work, and most federal government offices are closed.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonessential
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Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Drivers should plan for variable visibility during the morning commute and consider delaying nonessential travel until after the fog clears.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
The other 11 are nonessential because the body is able to produce them itself or synthesize them from the essential amino acids, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Aug. 2025
All nonessential government employees are off work, and most federal government offices are closed.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 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 Sep. 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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