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

Derived Forms

• ˈneedlessly, adverb
• ˈneedlessness, noun

Other Word Forms

• needless·ly adverb
• needless·ness 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

Categorizing more than 600,000 food products — and updating that list annually — would create “needless red tape,” they argued, while doing little to improve public health.

From Salon

"You allowed your anger and frustration to get the better of you - needless violence led to a man losing his life"

From BBC

The market turmoil brings together several strands of needless meddling from Trump administration officials.

From Salon

Having two organisations often duplicating work, they say, led to wasted time and needless costs.

From BBC

This, needless to say, is not where Musselman intended his team to be by the end of his first season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excessive
• gratuitous
• pointless

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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