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
Synonyms
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
The lawsuit asks the court to rule that the deferred resignation program and the mass firing of nonessential, probationary and other employees are unlawful.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
According to the annual consumption data for 2024 released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in the past year Chinese consumers’ consumption of nonessential categories such as footwear, clothing, textiles, cosmetics, skin care, gold, silver and jewelry has weakened significantly.
—Li Jun, WWD, 9 Feb. 2025
On the other hand, nonessential workers are furloughed and are not allowed to work or to be paid until the government reopens, according to a breakdown compiled by Reuters.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
As of October, the university had laid off at least 100 employees, along with instituting budget cuts and freezes on hiring and nonessential spending.
—Rosalind Bowling, The Tennessean, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nonessential 
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
According to the annual consumption data for 2024 released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in the past year Chinese consumers’ consumption of nonessential categories such as footwear, clothing, textiles, cosmetics, skin care, gold, silver and jewelry has weakened significantly.
—Li Jun, WWD, 9 Feb. 2025
On the other hand, nonessential workers are furloughed and are not allowed to work or to be paid until the government reopens, according to a breakdown compiled by Reuters.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
As of October, the university had laid off at least 100 employees, along with instituting budget cuts and freezes on hiring and nonessential spending.
—Rosalind Bowling, The Tennessean, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nonessential
Dictionary Entries Near nonessential
Cite this Entry
“Nonessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonessential. Accessed 20 Feb. 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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