nonrequired
Skippable if wanted
Not required; optional or unnecessary.
Nonrequired courses are electives rather than mandatory parts of a curriculum.
The prefix simply negates required: Attendance at the reception is nonrequired but encouraged.
The word is functional but slightly bureaucratic—most contexts would prefer optional or not required.
Not required at all
- needlessNot required
- gratuitousGiven without necessity
- superfluousExceeding what suffices
- redundantExceeding what's needed
extraneous · dispensable · unessential · inessential · unwarranted · unjustified · pointless · expendable
Chosen, not mandated
- noncompulsoryNot required by rule
- nonobligatoryNot compulsory or mandated
- nonmandatoryNot compulsory
- volitionalArising from conscious choice
facultative · discretionary · permissive · unenforced · unimposed · flexible · ancillary · supplementary
Free time for relaxation
- recreationalRelated to enjoyment activities
- luxuryExpensive nonessential comfort
- indulgentToo willing to yield
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
hobby · pastime · pleasure · amenity · comfort · frivolous · nonessential · elective
Not yet compensated
- volunteerUnpaid willing participant
- donatedGave as a gift
- charitableGiving to those needing
- philanthropicDevoted to human welfare
altruistic · freewill · self-directed · contributory · community-based · grassroots · civic-minded · service-oriented
unneeded
Not required at all
- needlessNot required
- gratuitousGiven without necessity
- superfluousExceeding what suffices
redundant · extraneous · dispensable · unessential · inessential · unwarranted · unjustified · pointless · expendable · surplus
elective
Chosen, not mandated
- noncompulsoryNot required by rule
- nonobligatoryNot compulsory or mandated
- nonmandatoryNot compulsory
volitional · facultative · discretionary · permissive · unenforced · unimposed · flexible · ancillary · supplementary · additional
leisure
Free time for relaxation
- recreationalRelated to enjoyment activities
- luxuryExpensive nonessential comfort
- indulgentToo willing to yield
entertainment · hobby · pastime · pleasure · amenity · comfort · frivolous · nonessential · elective · splurge
unpaid
Not yet compensated
- volunteerUnpaid willing participant
- donatedGave as a gift
- charitableGiving to those needing
philanthropic · altruistic · freewill · self-directed · contributory · community-based · grassroots · civic-minded · service-oriented · goodwill
nonrequiredrequired
Needed by rule
mandatory · compulsory · obligatory · necessary · essential
require, acquire, required, requirement, inquire, requiring, requires, requirements, prerequisite