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Definition of "nonessential" []

  • Having little or no importance; not essential. (adjective)
  • Biochemistry Being a substance that is required for normal functioning but does not need to be included in the diet because of the body's ability to synthesize it from other nutrients. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "nonessential" in a sentence
  • "I think all of the above, in a sense, and I liken it to other what I call nonessential passions that we have--golf, for example, horseback riding, neither of which are to my taste."
  • "ZAHN: Finally this morning, the CDC has advised people to not do what they call nonessential travel to Asia because of that."
  • "If the city can save on what it calls nonessential spending, then it might not have to cut as many jobs, leaders said."