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

Shooting a wild animal with a pellet gun and causing needless suffering is also within the scope of a felony animal cruelty charge. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Gvardiol looked jittery early on, rallied a little to break up some dangerous Porto attacks, but then started giving the ball away again and was booked for a needless pull after being caught dawdling in possession. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Time and money are being lost to needless bureaucracy, and people are going hungry and losing health care as a result. — Abdullah Shihipar, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026

The trade war with Canada is needless and will take a long time to be restored. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 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