indispensable

[ in-di-spen-suh-buhl ]

adjective

1. absolutely necessary, essential, or requisite:

   an indispensable member of the staff.

   Synonyms: needed

2. incapable of being disregarded or neglected:

   an indispensable obligation.

noun

1. a person or thing that is indispensable.

indispensable

/ ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl /

adjective

1. absolutely necessary; essential
2. not to be disregarded or escaped

   an indispensable role

noun

1. an indispensable person or thing

Derived Forms

• ˌindisˌpensaˈbility, noun
• ˌindisˈpensably, adverb

Other Words From

• indis·pensa·bili·ty indis·pensa·ble·ness noun
• indis·pensa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indispensable¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin indispēnsābilis “not subject to dispensation.” See in- ³, dispensable

Synonym Study

See necessary.

Example Sentences

For them, at least, the United States remains the exceptional nation, the indispensable one you turn to in time of trouble.

From The Daily Beast

While not light reading, this indispensable work contains within it a picture of America that expands beyond its subject matter.

From The Daily Beast

Korean pop superstar Psy has teamed up with Snoop Dogg to create an indispensable ode to overindulgence.

From The Daily Beast

The ubiquitous smartphone has become our most indispensable accessory.

From The Daily Beast

Stalin had proved an indispensable ally, the conventional thinking in the FDR administration went.

From The Daily Beast

Belief in his own value had never been thus assailed before; that he was indispensable had been an ultimate assurance.

From Project Gutenberg

The self-centred, confident man in him that deemed itself indispensable must crumble.

From Project Gutenberg

Perfect cleanliness and careful adjustment of each article in the dress are indispensable in a finished toilet.

From Project Gutenberg

She said that she was going to make a final attempt to obtain a supply of the poison which had become indispensable to her. '

From Project Gutenberg

It was not indispensable to the human race during the thousands (I say millions) of years before its advent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• basic
• crucial
• essential
• fundamental
• imperative
• necessary
• vital