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

Other Word Forms

• indispensability noun
• indispensably adverb
• indispensableness noun

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 me, it’s indispensable during boating season, when I’m juggling the roles of host and carefree reveler.

From Salon

Prosecutors had described her as indispensable to the plot.

From BBC

Kirk, a founder of Turning Point USA, has been instrumental in recruiting young Americans on college campuses to GOP voter rolls, making himself an indispensable part of Republican campaigns.

From Los Angeles Times

Kirk, a founder of Turning Point USA, was instrumental in recruiting young Americans on college campuses to GOP voter rolls, making himself an indispensable part of Republican campaigns down ballot across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

It added a Strongbow ad should be banned on the grounds that it "implied that alcohol might be indispensable or take priority in life".

From BBC

Related Words

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