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Synonyms

needless

American  
[need-lis] / ˈnid lɪs /

adjective

  1. unnecessary; not needed or wanted.

    a needless waste of food.

    Synonyms:
    uncalled-for, pointless, gratuitous, unessential

needless British  
/ ˈniːdlɪs /

adjective

  1. not required or desired; unnecessary

"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

Other Word Forms

  • needlessly adverb
  • needlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of needless

First recorded in 1175–1225, needless is from the Middle English word nedles. See need, -less

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are no needless digressions, and their architecture is as robust and tightly engineered as their characters are fully fleshed.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, as amusing as this is on a certain level, it will have real-world consequences that could take decades to repair and cause millions of needless deaths.

From Salon

Characters on “The Pitt” and “St. Denis Medical” contend with similar frustrations, demonstrating that needless bureaucracy is bad for everybody’s health.

From Salon

"This is, needless to say, very good news for the direct benefit of citizens, both... in the EU and in Switzerland."

From Barron's

With Adams and Murphy convincing Berard that he would get his money back by suing the original builder of the house, he gradually handed over everything he had for needless work.

From BBC