English Vocabulary — Antonym (choose the word opposite in meaning to the highlighted word). Sentence: Because of the economy drive, they very unwillingly surrendered some superfluous posts.

Introduction / Context:
This item examines antonyms for adjectives about necessity. “Superfluous” describes something unnecessary or more than required. The opposite should capture necessity or indispensability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target adjective: superfluous = unnecessary, excessive.
• Context: Eliminating extra job posts in a cost-cutting measure.
• Options: important, relevant, significant, essential.

Concept / Approach:
Although “important,” “relevant,” and “significant” suggest value, they do not always imply necessity. “Essential” directly means necessary or indispensable, which is the true antonym of “superfluous.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “superfluous posts” versus “essential posts.” These are natural opposites in workforce planning language.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• important: High value but not necessarily required.
• relevant: Pertinent to the topic; not about necessity.
• significant: Noteworthy; again, not required by definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating importance with necessity. Something can be important yet still dispensable; “essential” alone encodes necessity.

Final Answer:
essential