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definitions

needless

[ need-lis ]
/ ˈnid lɪs /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR needless ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

unnecessary; not needed or wanted: a needless waste of food.

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RELATED WORDS

pointless, excessive, gratuitous, inessential, nonessential, dispensable, expendable, redundant, superfluous, uncalled-for, unwanted, useless, undesired, unrequired, causeless

Nearby words

  1. needlecraft,
  2. needlefish,
  3. needleful,
  4. needlepoint,
  5. needles,
  6. needless to say,
  7. needlessly,
  8. needlestick,
  9. needlewoman,
  10. needlework

Origin of needless

First recorded in 1175–1225, needless is from the Middle English word nedles. See need, -less
Related formsneed·less·ly, adverbneed·less·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for needless

British Dictionary definitions for needless

needless

/ (ˈniːdlɪs) /

adjective

not required or desired; unnecessary
Derived Formsneedlessly, adverbneedlessness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for needless

needless

adj.

c.1300, "not needed, unnecessary," from need (n) + -less. Related: Needlessly. Phrase needless to say or speak is recorded from early 16c.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper