indispensable

adjective

in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-di-ˈspen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
1
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable member of the staff
2
: not subject to being set aside or neglected
an indispensable obligation
indispensability noun
indispensable noun
indispensableness noun
indispensably adverb

Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

fully aware that he was an indispensable assistant, he decided that it was high time that he be paid what he was worth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lawyers could also partner with organizations such as the American Bar Association, state bar associations, and the AALS, all of which work to enhance awareness of the rule of law as an indispensable element of democratic governance. Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Antimony is an indispensable ingredient in ammunition, fireproofing military equipment, nuclear systems, and much more. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 International recruitment went from happenstance in the ’80s to an indispensable recruitment tactic that teams across the NCAA used to keep up. Dylan Scott, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025 Freedom of the seas is indispensable to all trading nations, especially ours, and it must be asserted wherever it is attacked. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pens·​able ˌin-dis-ˈpen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: absolutely necessary : essential
an indispensable employee
indispensability noun

Legal Definition

indispensable

adjective
in·​dis·​pen·​sa·​ble ˌin-di-ˈspen-sə-bəl How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
: having rights so connected to the claims of the parties to an action that the action cannot be adjudicated without affecting those rights see also indispensable party at party

More from Merriam-Webster on indispensable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!