indispensable
ihn-dih-SPEHN-suh-buhl
Indispensable (adjective) means So necessary that it cannot be done without. Example: “A good night's sleep is indispensable to clear thinking.”
adjective
1
So necessary that it cannot be done without.
"A good night's sleep is indispensable to clear thinking."
"She quickly became an indispensable member of the team."
noun
1
Something absolutely necessary; a essential item.
"A reliable password manager is an indispensable in modern life."
How to use indispensable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo important or essential that you can't manage without it.
Common pairings
an indispensable tool
become indispensable
indispensable to
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Word forms
- Plural
- indispensables
- Comparative
- more indispensable
- Superlative
- most indispensable
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A good night's sleep is _____ to clear thinking.
Etymology
From Middle French indispensable, from Medieval Latin indispensabilis — literally "not able to be dispensed with."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for indispensable
See all rhymes for indispensable →Frequently asked questions
What does “indispensable” mean?
The word “indispensable” means so necessary that it cannot be done without. In plain terms, so important or essential that you can't manage without it.
How do you pronounce “indispensable”?
“Indispensable” is pronounced ihn-dih-SPEHN-suh-buhl (/ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “indispensable” in a sentence?
Here is “indispensable” used in a sentence: “A good night's sleep is indispensable to clear thinking.”
What is the opposite of “indispensable”?
The opposite of “indispensable” — its antonyms — is dispensable.
What part of speech is “indispensable”?
Depending on how it is used, “indispensable” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “indispensable” come from?
The word “indispensable” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French indispensable, from Medieval Latin indispensabilis — literally "not able to be dispensed with.".
Is “indispensable” a common word?
“Indispensable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “indispensable” have?
“Indispensable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: so necessary that it cannot be done without.
