Synonyms for

Unnecessarily

Verb / ʌˈnnesʌˌserʌli: / Another word for unnecessarily — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

in a way that is not needed or necessary

Synonyms & similar words

necessarily needlessly superfluously surplus extra excessively overly redundantly sparely unjustifiably inordinately overabundantly overmuch wastefully prodigally profusely lavishly recklessly unwarranted

Synonyms by register

Formal

superfluously gratuitously needlessly uncalled-forly

Informal

over the top too much more than needed

Literary

vainly emptily

Antonyms

necessarily essentially vitally crucially importantly requiredly

Common collocations

  • unnecessarily complicated
  • unnecessarily long
  • unnecessarily expensive
  • unnecessarily difficult
  • unnecessarily loud
  • unnecessarily worried
  • unnecessarily delayed

Word family

noun unnecessariness
adjective unnecessary
adverb unnecessarily

Usage note

This adverb indicates that something is done or happens without a good reason or is more than is needed. It is often used to criticize actions or situations that are excessive or redundant.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher unnecessarily scolded the student for a small mistake.
  2. He spent unnecessarily on the new car when his old car was still working fine.
  3. She packed unnecessarily for the trip and had to carry a heavy bag.
  4. The company spent unnecessarily on luxuries and had to cut salaries.
  5. The doctor prescribed unnecessarily expensive medicine when a cheaper option was available.

Quotes

  • The first rule of government is to do no harm. The second rule is to do as much good as possible, which sometimes requires that we spend money that doesn't come back to us right away. - Barney Frank
  • It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one. - Voltaire
  • Don't do unnecessary surgery. - Dr. Mehmet Oz

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