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.
The latter, first used in military jets, provides more visual information, particularly vital for avoiding severe weather or during approaches into mountain airports such as Aspen, where having terrain and runway images directly in the pilot’s view could be indispensable. Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2025 So when does being indispensable stop being an asset and start becoming a liability? Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 And as long as the additional features offered through data collection are not indispensable, users can choose which aligns more closely with their interests. Kevin Williams, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025 In the case of Thailand, the Biden administration considered the country to be so indispensable to U.S. military planning in the Pacific theater that Washington could do no more than offer mild rebukes in response to the Thai government’s rights abuses. Sarah Yager, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near indispensable

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 23 Jan. 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

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