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INDISPENSABLE

Pronunciation (US):

Dictionary entry overview: What does indispensable mean?

• INDISPENSABLE (adjective)
The adjective INDISPENSABLE has 3 senses:

1. not to be dispensed with; essential
2. absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
3. unavoidable

Familiarity information: INDISPENSABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

Dictionary entry details

• INDISPENSABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

indispensable ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Not to be dispensed with; essential

Context example:

foods indispensable to good nutrition

Similar:

critical; vital (urgently needed; absolutely necessary)

Also:

necessary (absolutely essential)

Attribute:

dispensability; dispensableness (the quality possessed by something that you can get along without)

Antonym:

dispensable (capable of being dispensed with or done without)

Sense 2

indispensable ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

Synonyms:

essential; indispensable

Context examples:

essential tools and materials / funds essential to the completion of the project / an indispensable worker

Similar:

necessary (absolutely essential)

Sense 3

indispensable ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Unavoidable

Context example:

the routine but indispensable ceremonies of state

Similar:

obligatory (morally or legally constraining or binding)

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INDISPENSABLE: related words searches

» obligatory meaning
» vital definition
» necessary: pronunciation in phonetic transcription
» Definition of necessary
» Meaning of dispensability

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