superfluous

[ soo-pur-floo-uhs ]

adjective

1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive.

   Synonyms: redundant, extra

2. unnecessary or needless.
3. Obsolete. possessing or spending more than enough or necessary; extravagant.

superfluous

/ suːˈpɜːflʊəs /

adjective

1. exceeding what is sufficient or required
2. not necessary or relevant; uncalled-for
3. obsolete.
   extravagant in expenditure or oversupplied with possessions

Derived Forms

• suˈperfluousness, noun
• suˈperfluously, adverb

Other Words From

• su·perflu·ous·ly adverb
• su·perflu·ous·ness noun
• unsu·perflu·ous adjective
• unsu·perflu·ous·ly adverb
• unsu·perflu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfluous¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin superfluus, from super- super- + flu- (stem of fluere “to flow”) + -us -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfluous¹

C15: from Latin superfluus overflowing, from super- + fluere to flow

Example Sentences

Musk has shown no hesitation, in the private sector, to eliminate jobs he considers superfluous.

From Los Angeles Times

Project 2025 proposes a major reorganization of the EPA, which would include the reduction of full-time staff positions and the elimination of departments deemed “superfluous.”

From Salon

“Focusing on reducing the size, scope, and superfluous elements of the federal government. It has nothing to do with what President Trump may or may not do.”

From Salon

And yet the work, if not superfluous, seems secondary right now to the quest for meaning.

From Los Angeles Times

All that production, however, proved to be superfluous.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excessive
• expendable
• gratuitous
• redundant
• unneeded
• useless