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

The Virgo Moon moves through your private 12th House, encouraging rest, reflection, and time away from unnecessary noise. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Sprinkler heads should also be properly adjusted to prevent unnecessary overspray. — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

At the testing fairs, residents would then be given other tests that were medically unnecessary, not requested or ordered by a doctor and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

By reducing unnecessary travel and manual handling, AutoStore aims to help improve speed, efficiency and workplace productivity while making better use of available warehouse space. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 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