unnecessary

[uhn-nes-uh-ser-ee] / ʌnˈnɛs əˌsɛr i /

ADJECTIVE

not required

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avoidable futile gratuitous irrelevant needless redundant superfluous unneeded useless worthless

WEAK

accidental additional beside the point casual causeless chance dispensable excess exorbitant expendable extraneous extrinsic fortuitous haphazard inessential lavish noncompulsory nonessential optional prodigal profuse random supererogatory surplus uncalled-for uncritical undesirable unessential unrequired wanton

Antonyms

STRONGEST

necessary needed valuable worthwhile

WEAK

indispensable required

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This unnecessary decision has caused chaos and confusion in the El Paso community,” said the city’s mayor, Renard Johnson, in a news conference after the restriction was lifted.

From Los Angeles Times

“But our old vacuum barely worked, and I’d been putting off replacing it because it felt like an unnecessary expense at the time. Having a good one suddenly made everyday life easier and less stressful.”

From MarketWatch

"We lacked composure to maintain the ball better, to play in the right areas. We started to give a lot of unnecessary free-kicks away," said Arteta.

From Barron's

With the pressure of an Olympic year, Bourne doesn’t want to expose Malinin to unnecessary mistakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Screening isn't 100% accurate, and can lead to harm and unnecessary treatment if lots of healthy people are tested.

From BBC

unnecessary

Example Sentences

Related Words