nonessential
- noun
- /ˌnɒnɪˈsɛnʃəl/
- If you don't have a lot of stuff, you're less likely to be distracted by nonessentials and more likely to be focused on your work.
Examples
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Thriftiness—this is a good trait, but it is the fire that fuels the hoarding of nonessentials.
Blog text (18) -
We had to eliminate nonessentials.
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Hoarding nonessentials are things that I think I will need, but in reality, I could live without.
Blog text (18) -
That is how tightly modern living has become wrapped up in nonessentials.
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During the budget meeting, the manager emphasized that they must cut down on nonessentials to ensure the project's success.
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In times of crisis, it is vital to prioritize spending on essentials and avoid purchasing nonessentials.
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The charity's focus is to provide aid for basic needs, avoiding any funding for nonessentials.
Synonyms
A person or thing considered not important and easily replaced
A thing you do not need and can leave behind
A thing you do not need
A thing or situation that is not needed
Antonyms
How Necessary
Surface Forms
Morphology
nonessential = nonessential (transparent) = non + essential
The noun use is a straightforward conversion from the adjective 'nonessential', and the meaning is directly recoverable from non- + essential.
Etymology
Nonessential breaks into the parts non- (meaning 'not') and essential (from 'essence', the most important part). A helpful image is packing for a trip: you keep the essentials and leave the nonessentials behind because they are 'not necessary'.