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Synonyms

unessential

American  
[uhn-uh-sen-shuhl] / ˌʌn əˈsɛn ʃəl /

adjective

  1. not of prime importance; not indispensable.

    Synonyms:
    unimportant, dispensable, unnecessary

noun

  1. an unessential thing; nonessential.

unessential British  
/ ˌʌnɪˈsɛnʃəl /

adjective

  1. a less common word for inessential

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. something that is not essential

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of unessential

First recorded in 1650–60; un- 1 + essential

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.

The use of lighting that is brighter than needed, or turned on at unessential times, has caused a widespread global fog of light.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2024

Buses and trains were cancelled in the Skane region on Thursday morning and authorities urged people to avoid unessential travel.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2024

The company acknowledged that 2022 would be a more difficult year from the start and soaring inflation has made it even tougher as Americans take more items deemed unessential off their shopping lists.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2022

Every failed attempt, passing year, and snapped femur becomes a chunk of unessential marble that must be cast aside for the sculpture to emerge.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2022

She understood now dearly what she had meant long ago when she said to Adde Ratignolle that she would give up the unessential, but she would never sacrifice herself for her children.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

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