indispensable

1 of 2

adjective

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

indispensability

2 of 2

noun

in·​dis·​pens·​abil·​i·​ty ¦ində̇ˌspen(t)sə¦bilətē How to pronounce indispensability (audio)
-lətē, 
-i
: the quality or state of being indispensable

Synonyms of indispensable

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Adjective

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Examples of indispensable in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
These actors play an indispensable role. — Sanda Ojiambo, Fortune, 23 June 2026 Aluminum foil is an indispensable item in nearly every household. — Tamara Gane, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 After all, a lot of the motivation for hoarding as people age is due to fear of mistreatment when physical decline makes reliance on oth-ers indispensable. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 His scoring, toughness, and ability to perform under pressure were indispensable. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for indispensable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of indispensable was in 1653

Rhymes for indispensable

See All Rhymes for indispensable

Browse Nearby Words

indispensability
indispensable
indispensableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indispensable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indispensable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ˌpen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce indispensable (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of indispensable for Spanish Speakers

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