nonelective
Americanadjective
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(of a medical procedure or treatment) necessary or required for the patient, rather than chosen by the patient.
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not optional, such as a specific academic course or an employer's contribution to workers' retirement funds; mandatory.
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(of a position, office, etc.) filled by appointment rather than election.
noun
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a required course that a student must enroll in and complete before graduation; core class.
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Rare. a U.S. Government employee who is not covered by election-related provisions.
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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.
If you were operating entirely within that framework, you might not even be able to take paid leave for a nonelective surgery.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
A Mount Sinai spokesman said that hospital has put restrictions on major nonelective surgeries, including cancer surgeries.
From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2020
Hampton students will cast their ballots not only for President and Vice President but also for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and many another nonelective official.
From Time Magazine Archive
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Once again, progress toward full democracy was liable to be discussed: Figueiredo will step down from the country's most important remaining nonelective political office in March 1985, probably in favor of a civilian.
From Time Magazine Archive
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But the elective power is unknown to a corporeal nature; so that the necessary and the nonelective may be said to be the peculiarities of bodies.
From Introduction to the Philosophy and Writings of Plato by Taylor, Thomas
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.