If something is indispensable, you absolutely need it and cannot do without it. It is essential for the situation or task.
It comes from Medieval Latin “indispensabilis,” from “in-” (not) and “dispensare” (to dispense or give out). The idea was something that cannot be given up or set aside.
“Indispensable” literally means “you can’t hand it away”—you can’t afford to lose it. People often call themselves indispensable at work, but truly indispensable things are rare. The word is a good reminder to ask: is this really essential, or just very convenient?
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