Existenial

Existenial is an obscure term that occasionally appears in English-language writing. It is not listed in major dictionaries and has no widely accepted definition. In many cases, it is a misspelling of existential or existentialism. Where it is used as a coined term, existenial is typically presented as a neologism intended to signal a focus on the nature of existence, sometimes blending notions of existence with essential or practical concerns.

As a possible definition, some writers treat existenial as a portmanteau of existence and essential, denoting inquiries into what is essential for human life or how existence acquires meaning in everyday situations. In other contexts, it is used to invoke existential philosophy by alluding to themes such as choice, authenticity, angst, freedom, and responsibility, but without adopting the technical vocabulary of established schools.

In creative or marketing contexts, existenial may function as a name or motif chosen to suggest depth, contingency, or philosophical mood. Because the term lacks standard usage, its interpretation depends on the author or producer.

Etymology is uncertain; most likely a blend of existence-related morphemes with a suffix similar to existential. The term remains rare and is encountered primarily in informal online discussion and niche publications.

See also: existentialism, existence, ontology, phenomenology.