Suggested alternatives for "nice-to-have" as a noun
In the example below, I’m looking for a suitable synonym for nice-to-have. I’m specifically looking for an appropriate noun replacement; do we actually have such a thing in English?
Maintenance shouldn’t be a ‘nice-to-have’ but an all-important necessity.
When contrasting with "necessity", Doug's option is a typical contrast.
Maintenance shouldn't be an option, but an all-important necessity.
Another contrast tends to be luxury.
Maintenance shouldn't be a luxury, but an all-important necessity.
Bonus carries the non-essential nature of what you're after. Maybe "bonus feature", or "added bonus".
nicety [nahy-si-tee] –dictionary.com
- Usually, niceties. a refined, elegant, or choice feature, as of manner or living: working hard to acquire the niceties of life.
Maintenance is not a nicety, it's an all-important necessity.
Maintenance shouldn't be an extra.
extra n.
- an additional feature.
{R H K Webster's}
extra n
- Something more than is usual or necessary
{AHDEL; same link}