What term describes something that is not essential or pertinent?

The term that describes something that is not essential or pertinent is 'extraneous.' This word is often used to refer to information, materials, or factors that are irrelevant or unrelated to the matter at hand. In various contexts, such as academic writing or problem-solving, extraneous details might clutter the main argument or complicate the process unnecessarily.

In contrast, terms like 'requisite' and 'indispensable' indicate that something is necessary or essential. These words connote a level of importance that is not present with 'extraneous.' 'Intrusive' has a different connotation overall; it suggests something that disrupts or intrudes rather than simply being unnecessary. Understanding the meaning of 'extraneous' helps in identifying information that can be disregarded when focusing on the main ideas or objectives in any given scenario.