adjectivenoun

imprescindible

essential · indispensable

Se dice de algo que es tan necesario que no se puede estar sin ello.

The Spanish word "imprescindible" is an adjective used to describe something that is essential, indispensable, or absolutely necessary.

Meaning

Imprescindible means that something cannot be omitted or ignored; it’s something that must be present or done.
It comes from the verb prescindir, which means to do without or to dispense with something. The prefix im- negates it, so imprescindible literally means "unable to be dispensed with."

Parts of the word

im-: a negative prefix meaning "not" or "un-"
prescindible: from prescindir, meaning something that can be dispensed with or done without
So imprescindible literally means "not dispensable," i.e., necessary or essential.

Synonyms

Necesario (necessary)
Indispensable (indispensable)
Vital (vital)
Fundamental (fundamental)
Esencial (essential)

Antonyms

Prescindible (dispensable, can be done without)
Opcional (optional)
Superfluo (superfluous)
Innecesario (unnecessary)

Usage examples

"El agua es imprescindible para la vida."
Water is essential for life.
"Un manual de instrucciones es imprescindible para montar el mueble."
An instruction manual is indispensable to assemble the furniture.

In short, imprescindible is used to highlight the critical importance of something that cannot be left out or skipped.