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unessential

adjective
un·​es·​sen·​tial | \ ˌən-É™-ˈsen(t)-shÉ™l How to pronounce unessential (audio) \

Definition of unessential

1 : not essential : dispensable, unimportant
2 archaic : void of essence : insubstantial
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about unessential

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Examples of unessential in a Sentence

don't pack any unessential items until we're sure we have room for everything we'll actually need

Recent Examples on the Web

 All frivolities, such as politics and culture, would be deemed unessential, and life would be rationalized and run on principles of industrial efficiency. — Philip Delves Broughton, WSJ, "‘Digital Cash’ Review: Bitcoin and Beyond," 23 June 2019 That’s when unessential parts of the federal government shut down until the impasse is broken. — John Steele Gordon, WSJ, "Why We Have So Many Shutdowns," 16 Jan. 2019 The judge ordered Shiloh to stop using any unessential security measures, such as denying children drinking water. — Samantha Schmidt, The Seattle Times, "Trump administration must stop giving psychotropic drugs to migrant children without consent, judge rules," 31 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unessential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of unessential

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on unessential

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with unessential

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unessential

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