dispensable

UK: dɪˈspɛnsəb(ə)l | US: dɪˈspɛnsəb(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. capable of being omitted or replaced without significant consequence

  2. adj. not essential; expendable

Structure
dispens <dispense>able <capable of>dispens <dispense>able <capable of>
Etymology

The word "dispensable" emerged in the 16th century from Medieval Latin dispensabilis, rooted in the concept of "manageable distribution." Originally tied to resource allocation (e.g., dispensing supplies), it later generalized to mean "non-essential" by the 18th century, reflecting societal shifts toward efficiency and prioritization.

Examples

  1. Paper documents are becoming dispensable in the digital age.

  2. The manager deemed the extra meeting dispensable.

  3. Luxuries are dispensable, but necessities are not.

  4. His role in the project proved dispensable after reorganization.

  5. The appendix is often considered a dispensable organ.