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

And why not take the path of reconciliation rather than the drama, the needless drama of further disunion, and dissipation and violence perhaps? — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 5 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

And needless to say, Springfield is a charming place to live. — Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 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