needless

adjective

need·​less ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
: not needed : unnecessary
needless waste
needlessly adverb
needlessness noun
Phrases
needless to say
: as is self-evident or to be expected

Examples of needless in a Sentence

needless expenditures that pushed the construction project way over budget
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is, needless to say, a bold claim about a phenomenon that is famously hard to predict. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 The compromise imposes a needless five-step test for proper rear-seat seat-belt use. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025 And needless to say, the holiday season in Switzerland is quite stunning, with Christmas markets, fondue, and mulled wine aplenty. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 Both sides were vulnerable on transition, making unforced errors and conceding needless free kicks. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for needless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of needless was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needless. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

needless

adjective
need·​less ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
needlessly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on needless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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