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

Related Words

• excessive 
• gratuitous 
• pointless