unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈne-sə-ˌser-ē How to pronounce unnecessary (audio)
Synonyms of unnecessarynext
: not necessary
took unnecessary precautions

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
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.
Then again, maybe consensus is unnecessary. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026 Under North Carolina law, hospitals cannot build, expand or replace facilities without state approval — a process designed to prevent the unnecessary duplication of services. Chase Jordan march 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026 The Catholic bishops, through their public policy office, view the legislation as unnecessary for Catholic schools that have been operating in Connecticut for decades. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 As my diagnostic experience illustrates, many of us are told that memory changes are normal aging and that pushing for answers is unnecessary. Shon Lowe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnecessary

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unnecessary was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessary. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

unnecessary

adjective
un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē How to pronounce unnecessary (audio)
ˈən-
: not necessary

More from Merriam-Webster on unnecessary

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