Nonessential: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing something that is not absolutely necessary but might still have some value.

• Packed with nonessential items, the suitcase was too heavy to carry.
• You can skip the nonessential steps to save time.

Appropriate when indicating that something is not needed at all, often to emphasize the lack of necessity.

• Taking a taxi was unnecessary; the venue was within walking distance.
• The meeting went on too long because of all the unnecessary comments.

Used when talking about something that is irrelevant or unrelated to the main topic.

• Delete all the extraneous details from the report to make it clearer.
• The meeting was too long because of all the extraneous discussions.

When describing something that is beyond what is needed or wanted, often implying an excess amount.

• Buying more decorations would be superfluous, considering how much we already have.
• The story was good, but the long descriptions felt superfluous.

Best used when referring to something that repeats what has already been said or is unnecessary due to repetition; can have a negative undertone.

• Avoid using redundant words in your essay to keep it concise.
• The new software made several processes redundant.

This word is used when describing something that is not necessary and can be easily omitted without affecting the overall function or outcome.

• These features are nonessential and can be removed to simplify the design.
• The store was selling nonessential items like toys and gadgets.

Typically used in a negative sense, 'redundant' refers to something that is unnecessarily repetitive or superfluous.

• Having two coffee machines in this small office seems redundant.
• The software update made several existing features redundant.

This word is used to describe something that is not required or mandatory and can be chosen based on preference.

• Attending the additional workshop is optional but recommended for further learning.
• The accessories listed are optional and can be selected according to your needs.

Use 'dispensable' to refer to something that can be done without, typically in a context where resources or effort are being conserved.

• In times of budget cuts, dispensable staff positions are often the first to go.
• The extra decorations are dispensable for the party's success.