unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈne-sə-ˌser-ē 

: not necessary

took unnecessary precautions

Synonyms of unnecessary

• extra
• optional
• needless
• irrelevant
• nonessential
• unwarranted
• redundant
• dispensable

Examples of unnecessary in a Sentence

In this city, owning a car is unnecessary.

Let's not take any unnecessary risks.

Recent Examples on the Web

The ultimate goal of a venture is not to master the art of grant writing, but to build a product or service so indispensable that external subsidies eventually become unnecessary. — Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

In Friday’s first red zone drill of training camp, Purdy wisely threw a ball that the 6-foot-5 Evans snatched high at the goal line, with an almost unnecessary leap against 5-foot-9 cornerback Upton Stout. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

One of the greatest frustrations in emergency management is knowing exactly what needs to be done, then watching unnecessary red tape delay action for years. — Ruben Grijalva, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2026

There was no opening act, no lengthy introduction and no unnecessary buildup. — Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unnecessary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

Kids Definition

unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē 

ˈən-

: not necessary