indispensable
Americanadjective
-
absolutely necessary, essential, or requisite.
an indispensable member of the staff.
- Synonyms:
- needed
-
incapable of being disregarded or neglected.
an indispensable obligation.
noun
adjective
-
absolutely necessary; essential
-
not to be disregarded or escaped
an indispensable role
noun
Related Words
See necessary.
Other Word Forms
- indispensability noun
- indispensableness noun
- indispensably adverb
Etymology
Origin of indispensable
First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin indispēnsābilis “not subject to dispensation.” See in- 3, dispensable
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not to mention the intelligence capabilities indispensable for such an operation?
"We are still struggling to replace the king that is oil," said Perrin, recalling its indispensable role in transportation and petrochemicals.
From Barron's
He said the US was an "indispensable cornerstone" of the UK's security, and that allies should "show up" regardless of who the current president is.
From BBC
"We hope this indispensable channel of communication can be reestablished as soon as possible," he added.
From Barron's
The horse also proved indispensable in the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1521.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
