of the essence
Cannot be delayed
Of the essence means absolutely essential or critically important, especially regarding time.
The phrase comes from contract law, where time is of the essence means deadlines are binding terms, not mere guidelines.
In general usage, it emphasizes urgency: Speed is of the essence—we need to evacuate now.
Expressing disapproval or importance
- vitalEssential or sustaining existence
- indispensableUtterly required, irreplaceable
- paramountOf supreme significance
- fundamentalForming the base
pivotal · key · necessary · integral · core · central · prerequisite · requisite
Requiring immediate attention
- immediateHappening without delay
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- imperativeUnavoidably necessary
expedient · acute · compelling · exigent · dire · burning · crucial · emergency
Time limit for completion
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- fleetingPassing very quickly
- ephemeralLasting very briefly
- transientTemporary, soon departing
momentary · time-limited · expiring · ticking · eleventh-hour · last-minute · crunch-time · window
critical
Expressing disapproval or importance
- vitalEssential or sustaining existence
- indispensableUtterly required, irreplaceable
- paramountOf supreme significance
fundamental · pivotal · key · necessary · integral · core · central · prerequisite · requisite · foundational
pressing
Requiring immediate attention
- immediateHappening without delay
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
imperative · expedient · acute · compelling · exigent · dire · burning · crucial · emergency · priority
deadline
Time limit for completion
transient · momentary · time-limited · expiring · ticking · eleventh-hour · last-minute · crunch-time · window · perishable
of the essenceoptional
Not mandatory
inessential · nonessential · unimportant · inconsequential · dispensable
of the essenceflexible
Able to bend freely
open-ended · at your leisure · non-urgent · leisurely · no rush
of the essenceoptional
Not mandatory
negotiable · discretionary · up for discussion · flexible · non-binding
essential, essence, essentially, nonessential, quintessence, inessential, quintessential, unessential, essentiality