Indispensability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indispensability

[ˌɪndɪˌspɛnsəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in philosophy

The quality or state of being indispensable; indispensableness.

Synonyms

essentiality, necessity, vitality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indispensability

Used to emphasize the absolute need or lack of replaceability of something in a particular situation.

  • Her experience and knowledge highlight her indispensability to the team
essentiality

Typically used to underline the intrinsic importance and fundamental nature of something.

  • The essentiality of clean water in maintaining public health cannot be overstated
necessity

Refers to something that is needed or required, often used in a practical or daily context.

  • A raincoat is a necessity in this kind of weather
vitality

Often used to describe the importance of something in maintaining life, energy, or success.

  • The vitality of the local economy depends on tourism

Examples of usage

  • His indispensability to the team was unquestionable.
  • The indispensability of water for survival is well-known.
  • The indispensability of love in human relationships cannot be overstated.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The quality of being absolutely necessary; the necessity of being indispensable.

Synonyms

essentiality, necessity, vitality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indispensability

Used to describe something that is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without, often in a formal or professional setting.

  • The indispensability of clean water cannot be overstated in ensuring public health.
  • His experience brought a certain indispensability to the project team.
essentiality

Refers to the fundamental importance or core nature of something, often used in academic or theoretical discussions.

  • The essentiality of communication skills in leadership roles is widely recognized.
  • Researchers debate the essentiality of different nutrients in human development.
necessity

Denotes something that is needed or required, often used in everyday conversations and can carry a mildly urgent tone.

  • Food and shelter are basic necessities of life.
  • She quickly realized the necessity of learning a new language for her job.
vitality

Typically refers to the power and energy of something, often in the context of health, community, or life, and carries a positive connotation.

  • Regular exercise is important for maintaining physical vitality.
  • The festival brought a sense of vitality to the entire town.

Examples of usage

  • The indispensability of education in today's world is evident.
  • Her indispensability in the company's success is recognized by all.
  • The indispensability of compromise in a healthy relationship is crucial.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discourse, the concept relates to fundamental needs that underpin human existence and experience.
  • Indispensability is often discussed in relation to ethics, where certain values are deemed essential for a just society.
  • The idea raises questions about what society deems as necessary for life, influencing debates in areas like social policy.

Economics

  • Certain goods are classified as 'indispensable' in economics, meaning they are crucial for consumers and cannot be easily substituted.
  • Indispensability can influence market demand, where products considered essential typically see consistent demand.
  • Economic theories often focus on how indispensable items shape consumer behavior and market stability.

Psychology

  • From a psychological viewpoint, people often develop attachments to indispensable relationships, affecting their emotional well-being.
  • The necessity of certain objects or people in our lives can lead to a sense of security or anxiety when they are absent.
  • In therapy, addressing feelings of indispensability can help individuals find balance and reduce dependency.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face dilemmas around indispensability, showcasing the conflict between need and independence.
  • The theme is prevalent in stories about friendship or love, where one character may feel they cannot live without another.
  • Classic works often explore the implications of dependence and necessity, offering reflections on human relationships.

Origin of 'indispensability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'indispensabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'dispensabilis' means 'able to be given out'.
  • It was first used in English in the early 17th century, showing how ideas of necessity have evolved over time.
  • The prefix 'in-' is used in various words to indicate negation, similar to how 'un-' is used in words like 'unnecessary'.

The word 'indispensability' originated from the Latin word 'indispensabilis,' which means 'not to be dispensed with.' The concept of indispensability has been explored in various fields, including philosophy, where it refers to the quality of being essential or crucial. The history of the word reflects humanity's recognition of the fundamental importance of certain elements or individuals in different contexts.