nonessential

American  

[non-uh-sen-shuhl] / ˌnɒn əˈsɛn ʃəl /

Or non-essential

adjective

1. not essential; not necessary.

   Nonessential use of gasoline was forbidden during the war.

   Synonyms:

   extrinsic, incidental, unnecessary

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noun

1. a nonessential thing or person.

nonessential British  

/ ˌnɒnɪˈsɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. not essential; not necessary

2. biochem (of an amino acid in a particular organism) able to be synthesized from other substances

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noun

1. a nonessential person or thing

Etymology

Origin of nonessential

First recorded in 1745–55; non- + essential

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nonessential

While it can certainly mean losing some luxury and nonessential assets, such as boats or valuable collections, many states have comprehensive protections that won’t leave you worse off than when you filed.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026

Raymond moved to close or sell most of these operations, further stripping the company of nonessential businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

The Orange County Superior Court has recommended nonessential personnel leave the courthouse in Westminster, which is outside the evacuation zone.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

This is particularly problematic for consumer discretionary companies—those that sell nonessential goods ands services.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

“And what’s more, I’m shutting down all nonessential flights until the present crisis is past.”

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

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Related Words

• unnecessary

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