unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈne-sə-ˌser-ē 

: not necessary

took unnecessary precautions

Synonyms of unnecessary

• extra
• optional
• needless
• irrelevant
• nonessential
• unwarranted
• redundant
• dispensable

Examples of unnecessary in a Sentence

In this city, owning a car is unnecessary.

Let's not take any unnecessary risks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Redefining success based on present values can reveal greater satisfaction and prevent unnecessary further career shifts, suggesting the issue often lies in the standard of evaluation, not the job itself. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Some critics worry the country is rushing to deploy risky and unnecessary new technology at a time when wind, solar and battery power are increasingly affordable and reliable. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

Conduct yourself in a way that minimizes unnecessary harm to innocent people. — Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Avoid unnecessary tillage, which can break fungal hyphae, and keep living roots in the ground when practical through perennial plantings or compatible cover crops such as annual ryegrass and crimson clover. — Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unnecessary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

Kids Definition

unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē 

ˈən-

: not necessary