indispensable

indispensable — adjective

1. used to describe a person or thing that is needed so urgently that no other pers

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a person or thing that is needed so urgently that no other person or thing can replace them in doing a particular job or achieving a result.

例句

Nora's laptop became indispensable after she started working from home.

become + indispensable + after [event]

A reliable map is an indispensable tool for any mountain rescue team.

indispensable + noun (tool) + for [purpose]

同義詞
  • essential

    The closest synonym; slightly less emphatic and more common in both spoken and written English

  • vital

    Similar strength but often used for life-or-death contexts or things that keep a system alive

  • crucial

    Focuses on the decisive importance of something at a particular moment or for a specific outcome

  • necessary

    More general and less emphatic; covers a wider range of needs from basic to urgent

反義詞
  • dispensable

    The direct antonym — something that can be given up or done without

  • unnecessary

    Something not needed at all, a weaker opposite

  • replaceable

    Someone or something that can be substituted without loss

文法句型

indispensable + to + [someone/something]

indispensable + for + [purpose/activity]

用法筆記

Frequently paired with the prepositions 'to' (identifying who needs the person or thing) and 'for' (identifying the goal or purpose). This word carries a stronger sense of necessity than 'essential' — it suggests that the whole system or effort would break down without that person or thing.

常見錯誤

❌She is indispensable' (without specifying for whom or what).
✅She is indispensable to the team.
💡'indispensable' needs context to sound natural; specify who needs the person or for what purpose.
❌Milk is indispensable for my coffee.' (too trivial).
✅Good management is indispensable for running a successful company.
💡'indispensable' sounds unnatural for everyday needs; use 'essential' or 'necessary' instead.