needless

American  

[need-lis] / ˈnid lɪs /

adjective

1. unnecessary; not needed or wanted.

   a needless waste of food.

   Synonyms:

   uncalled-for, pointless, gratuitous, unessential

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needless British  

/ ˈniːdlɪs /

adjective

1. not required or desired; unnecessary

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Other Word Forms

• needlessly
  adverb
• needlessness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of needless

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

Explanation

Something needless isn't required, necessary, or wanted. If you haven't touched that plastic back scratcher since Christmas 1992, it's probably needless. If your mom frets every time you walk out the door, you can assure her that it's needless worry — you'll be fine. And buying extremely pricey underwear might seem to be a needless expense — who cares how fancy your underwear is? Needless comes from need and its Old English root nied, "necessity."

Example Sentences

And banish this phrase—“You’re away,” the needless etiquette of having the player farthest from the hole hit first after tee shots and other shots approaching the green.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Animal welfare campaigners said the proposed legislation would stop greyhounds being maimed and killed, but critics called it a needless bill that would not improve animal welfare.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

There are no needless digressions, and their architecture is as robust and tightly engineered as their characters are fully fleshed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Doing the same in the U.S. would end needless bureaucracy and a potpourri of repayment plans and provide a safety net for struggling borrowers facing unemployment or health shocks.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

These were clear enough instructions, easy to follow, and, needless to say, immediately complied with.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

• excessive
• gratuitous
• pointless