Indispensable
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Indispensable is an adjective meaning Absolutely necessary or requisite; that one cannot do without.
Meaning
Absolutely necessary or requisite; that one cannot do without.
More Meanings
- (of duties, rules etc.) Unbendable, that cannot be set aside or ignored.
- A thing that is not dispensable; a necessity.
- (in the plural, colloquial, dated) Trousers.
- (ecclesiastical, obsolete) Not admitting ecclesiastical dispensation; not subject to release or exemption; that cannot be allowed by bending the canonical rules.
Example Sentences
The law was moral and indispensable.
An indispensable component of a heart-healthy diet.
Why is marking a book indispensable to reading it? First, it keeps you awake—not merely conscious, but wide awake.
And my friends in politics, no-one is remotely indispensable and our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader, equally committed to taking this country forward through tough times.
Word Forms
- indispensables
Synonyms for indispensable
Depending on context, synonyms include critical, essential, necessary, obligatory, vital.
Antonyms for indispensable
Common opposites include dispensable.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include critical, essential, necessary, obligatory, vital, invaluable.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.