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.

Each man was allowed only eight pounds of provisions; anything unnecessary was left behind.

From Literature

It’s completely unnecessary, a misplaced effort to sound more important rather than to do some “real work” and—I don’t know—make a decision?

From The Wall Street Journal

Tepper sent a strongly worded letter to Whirlpool management Wednesday, arguing that the company’s decision to issue more stock “resulted in a large, unnecessary dilution of shareholders.”

From Barron's

Tepper called it a “unnecessary dilution” for shareholders and a move that reflected “a striking lack of judgment on the part of the board and senior management team.”

From MarketWatch

This issuance resulted in what Tepper called a large, unnecessary dilution of shareholders.

From The Wall Street Journal

unnecessary

Example Sentences

Related Words