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indispensable

indispensable

48 4.6
Needed so much you cannot do without it or them
  • adjective
  • /ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbl/
translation icon : imprescindible
  • A smartphone has become an indispensable part of everyday life.
  • an indispensable role
  • become indispensable
  • play an indispensable role

You're one of the most indispensable people on the planet.

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Examples

  • U.S. leadership will therefore be indispensable in the creation of an international regime to contain climate change.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Though the advantages provided by the Internet are indispensable for modern life, its possible negative influences cannot be dismissed.

    Academic text (2008)
  • You become indispensable to your organization.

  • You become indispensable to your organization.

  • But make yourself indispensable to this lady.

  • I find a computer indispensable.

  • Freedom of discussion seems to be an indispensable part of the institutional arrangements.

    Academic text (1999)
  • You're one of the most indispensable people on the planet.

  • Edward was just telling us how indispensable you've become to him.

  • Why is Bayesian reasoning indispensable for scientists and AI researchers?

Synonyms

essential
vsindispensable
537 1.9

Needed for something to work or succeed

is about an absolute need not only basic or foundational
crucial
vsindispensable
469 3.6

Very important for the success or result of something

is necessary overall not only decisive for a single outcome
vital
vsindispensable
403 3.5

Necessary for life or for something to succeed

is required in general situations beyond only life or success needs
invaluable
vsindispensable
75 4.1

Very useful in a way that is hard to measure

focuses on necessary use rather than high value or worth
irreplaceable
vsindispensable
32 6.4

So special or valuable that you cannot get another one

is about being required rather than being unique or nonreplaceable
all-important
vsindispensable
24 4.0

Very necessary for a decision or success

is necessary without stressing highest possible importance
unexpendable
vsindispensable
7.5

So important and needed that you cannot do without it

is about absolute requirement rather than resistance to being used up
superessential
vsindispensable
7.4

Very important and needed for something to work or survive

is absolute necessity rather than an above average importance
needed
vsindispensable
1.0

Required for a particular purpose or to make something possible

is an absolute requirement rather than a situational need

Antonyms

300 1.6

More than is needed or wanted

4 6.1

Not needed and can be left out without harm

How Necessary

indispensable
48 4.6
vital
403 3.5
necessary
1.0
useful
947 1.0
optional
99 3.3

Surface Forms

indispensable positive

Morphology

indispensable = dispensable (semi-transparent) = in + dispense + able

The negative prefix 'in-' straightforwardly forms the opposite of 'dispensable'.

Etymology

Indispensable comes from the parts in- meaning 'not' and dispense meaning 'to give out'. So something indispensable cannot be 'given away' or left out, and is absolutely necessary.