indispensable
Absolutely necessary and cannot be done without
Examples
In a meeting
“Maria has become indispensable to our operations team.”
Over coffee
“My phone is basically indispensable at this point.”
Why this word
necessary
indispensable means absolutely cannot be done without, while necessary suggests importance but possible alternatives may exist
essential
indispensable emphasizes complete irreplaceability, while essential indicates high importance but may allow substitution
important
indispensable indicates something cannot function without it, while important is much weaker and only suggests value
Usage tip
Use to emphasize something or someone is critically important. Stronger than just 'necessary' or 'important'.
Etymology
Latin: in- (not) + dispensare (to dispense) — 'cannot be dispensed with'
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Related words
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
emphasize
Give special importance or prominence to something
warrant
To justify or necessitate a particular action or response
trivial
Of little importance or value; minor
underscore
To emphasize or highlight the importance of something
imperative
Absolutely necessary or urgent