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Showing results for unnecessary. Search instead for unnecessari.
Definitions

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 allows the system to plan more effectively and avoid unnecessary trial and error.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Such seamless technologies teach us that repair and understanding is not our role and that such proficiency and knowledge is unnecessary.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

The current requirement that lenders use three credit scores—known as tri-merge—is an anachronism and adds unnecessary costs to borrowers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Fred Koester, 78, called the conflict a "stupid war" that was "totally unnecessary."

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

His coach was suddenly drowning the team in extra, unnecessary practices, and Ocean said it was because his coach was trying to keep him busy—that he was trying to keep the two of us apart.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi