Which adjective means absolutely necessary?

• A. Essential
• B. Indispensable
• C. Required
• D. Critical

Answer: (B)

Understanding how two words convey necessity helps you choose the right one for “absolutely necessary.” Indispensable means something you cannot do without; its absence would prevent you from functioning or completing a task. It carries the strongest sense of necessity.

Essential also means necessary, but it’s slightly less absolute—often used for something important to a function, though there may be rare or theoretical substitutes. Required refers to obligation or rules—you must do or have it, but not every situation is framed as impossible without it. Critical signals strong importance or a turning point, but not necessarily the idea that you can’t proceed at all without it.

So, for the sense of “absolutely necessary,” indispensable is the best fit. For example, in a survival kit, water is indispensable.