unnecessarily

adverb

un·​nec·​es·​sar·​i·​ly ˌən-ˌne-sə-ˈser-ə-lē How to pronounce unnecessarily (audio)
: not by necessity : to an unnecessary degree
unnecessarily harsh criticism

Examples of unnecessarily in a Sentence

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.
One can easily point to Newsom’s terrible energy policies and unnecessarily high energy prices as prime examples of the Democrats’ disconnect with working people. Will Oneill, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025 Lawyers for Illinois and Chicago have argued that deploying the troops will unnecessarily escalate tensions in the city, citing a lack of training for local policing and the potential to undermine ordinary law enforcement. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 Ellis issued a temporary restraining order in connection with a lawsuit brought by journalists, clergy and protesters that agents were using force unnecessarily. Michael Loria, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 Freshman Mana Tuioti also recovered a muffed punt at the Nevada 6-yard line in the third quarter, setting the Broncos up for a key touchdown that extended their lead to 17-3 in a game that was unnecessarily close up to that point. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnecessarily

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unnecessarily was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnecessarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessarily. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

unnecessarily

adverb
un·​nec·​es·​sar·​i·​ly ˌən-ˌnes-ə-ˈser-ə-lē How to pronounce unnecessarily (audio)
1
: not by necessity
spent money unnecessarily
2
: to an unnecessary degree
an unnecessarily harsh punishment

More from Merriam-Webster on unnecessarily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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