Synonyms for

Unnecessary

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

Definition

Not needed; not required.

Synonyms & similar words

unneeded necessary superfluous excessive extraneous redundant unneeded surplus spare unused needless unessential nonessential inessential peripheral incidental inessential gratuitous pointless senseless unimportant trivial

Synonyms by register

Formal

superfluous redundant expendable uncalled-for

Informal

pointless unneeded extra overkill

Literary

gratuitous supererogatory

Antonyms

necessary essential vital crucial important required needed

Common collocations

  • unnecessary expense
  • unnecessary risk
  • unnecessary complication
  • unnecessary force
  • unnecessary delay
  • unnecessary noise
  • unnecessary burden

Word family

noun unnecessariness
adverb unnecessarily

Usage note

While 'unnecessary' can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'superfluous' or 'redundant', it often implies a lack of purpose or justification rather than mere excess. It is generally neutral in register.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher said that the homework was unnecessary for today.
  2. My brother said that the extra sauce on his sandwich was unnecessary.
  3. The decorations on the wall were unnecessary for the party.
  4. The extra blanket on the bed was unnecessary for the warm weather.
  5. The extra buttons on the shirt were unnecessary for the design.

Quotes

  • Unnecessary noise is the most cruel abuse of care which can be inflicted on either the sick or the well. - Florence Nightingale
  • The most difficult thing in life is to know when to be blunt and when to be unnecessary. - Unknown
  • Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things. There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all. - Peter Drucker

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