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.

As it turned out, the bluffing may have been unnecessary.

From The Wall Street Journal

She describes it as "an unnecessary stain" on their legacy.

From BBC

Lenders say that pulling credit records from all three bureaus adds unnecessary costs, though credit checks account for less than 1% of the cost of originating a mortgage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Improper care — such as leaving patients in unnecessary pain, signing up people without their consent, or failing to properly screen and train employees — has become more common as hospice companies propagate, according to the U.S.

From MarketWatch

The Treasury said this approach avoids unnecessary costs and ensures "value is maintained on behalf of the public".

From BBC

unnecessary

Example Sentences

Related Words