needless

[need-lis]

adjective

1. unnecessary; not needed or wanted.

   a needless waste of food.

   Synonyms: uncalled-for, pointless, gratuitous, unessential

needless

/ ˈniːdlɪs /

adjective

1. not required or desired; unnecessary

Other Word Forms

• needlessly adverb
• needlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of needless¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, needless is from the Middle English word nedles. See need, -less

Example Sentences

And needless to say, in our current information ecosystem, context still means everything.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The midfielder's needless first-half red card - a third in Martin's first 14 games - knocked the stuffing out of an already struggling Rangers.

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The two messaged back and forth about the serendipity of it all, and needless to say, “the date went really well,” Derraugh said, smiling shyly.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Indeed, both cards he picked up were needless.

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"Our focus is on economic stability, fiscal responsibility, ripping up needless red tape, tearing out waste from our public services, driving forward reforms, and putting more money in working people's pockets," he added.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• excessive 
• gratuitous 
• pointless