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

"This will impose needless strain on the North American market, threaten jobs on both sides of the border, and make it harder to address the housing supply crisis in the United States," the council added.

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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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Related Words

• excessive 
• gratuitous 
• pointless