needless

adjective

need·​less ˈnēd-ləs 

: not needed : unnecessary

needless waste

needlessly adverb

needlessness noun

see also:

needless to say

Synonyms of needless

• unnecessary

Examples of needless in a Sentence

needless expenditures that pushed the construction project way over budget

Recent Examples on the Web

Odysseus is a determined warrior wanting to get home to his family as well as a leader whose poor decisions and needless cruelty are a detriment, especially to his fellow soldiers. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 July 2026

During a recent concert where Graham Nash was speaking his mind about needless wars and his belief that the president started a war with Iran to distract from the Epstein files, someone in the audience yelled out. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Lazy prompts or needless iterations can multiply expenses fivefold to tenfold. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Acting on a shaky result carries real downsides too, from needless restrictive diets to unnecessary supplements. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing needless

• needless to say

Rhymes for needless

• heedless
• seedless

Kids Definition

needless

adjective

need·​less ˈnēd-ləs 

: unnecessary

needlessly adverb