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

The change ends needless delays that have hindered development in the Keystone State, cutting through bureaucracy to promote investment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the choice wealthy Western nations face is whether to allow this needless loss of life in the first place.

Read more on Salon

It’s one of the few uses of energy that is clearly needless.

Read more on MarketWatch

Tuchel said before Sunday's game he would speak to his players about avoiding any needless red cards after Cristiano Ronaldo's dismissal on Thursday meant he will miss Portugal's opening two matches of the World Cup.

Read more on BBC

Ordinary patients who receive such results may get sucked into needless and costly follow-up testing, she says.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• excessive 
• gratuitous 
• pointless