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.

But the timing has raised suspicions that she's using it to divert attention from her own SUV - as in Startlingly Unnecessary Voyage.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2023

Unnecessary testing, he pointed out, can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

From New York Times • Jul. 23, 2023

Unnecessary public drama is a permanent ingredient in the stew here, and apparently even a steady, skilled chef can’t extract it.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2022

His 2014 breakthrough, “An Unnecessary Woman,” was narrated by a Lebanese translator filtering her life through war stories, personal history and others’ fictions.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2021

Unnecessary handling.—Babies are wakened from sleep to show to friends who wish to see them at almost any and all hours.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Vocabulary lists containing unnecessary

List 3

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List 9

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"New Michigan Graduation Requirements Shortchange Many Students"

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