needless

adjective

need·​less ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
Synonyms of needlessnext
: not needed : unnecessary
needless waste
needlessly adverb
needlessness noun
see also:

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.
In the past year, CBS has enacted cruel and needless layoffs across the organization and shuttered CBS News Radio. Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 June 2026 To advocates, Lee’s proposal would rid Oakland of needless bureaucracy and simplify local accountability to a single person. Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 And needless to say, writing Nightcaps wasn’t exactly at the top of my priority list. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Stop wasting money on needless utility bills with a smart thermostat that intelligently adapts to climate patterns, supports robust schedules, and interfaces with other smart home systems for robust and easy control. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026 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

Cite this Entry

“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needless. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

needless

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

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