unnecessary

adjective

un·nec·es·sary | \ ˌən-ˈne-sə-ˌser-ē

Definition of unnecessary

: not necessary

Other Words from unnecessary Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about unnecessary

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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

Trump has complained that the Fed is threatening to undo the economic stimulus being provided by the tax cuts and that its rate hikes are unnecessary because inflation has remained relatively low. — Martin Crutsinger, The Seattle Times, "Powell: US economy and banks seem sturdy but face some risks," 28 Nov. 2018 There’s no way to survive on a meat-only diet without suffering some serious health problems: vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can result in bone loss, organ damage (and ultimately, organ failure), and unnecessary physical pain. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "The Best (And Worst!) Diets of 2019, According to a Registered Dietitian," 10 Dec. 2018 On the one hand, Prince Harry's methodology does make sense; using unnecessary lights wastes electricity. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Even Meghan Markle Is Confused By This Habit of Prince Harry’s," 8 Nov. 2018 England's World Cup campaign has been a definite success so there is no need to make unnecessary changes to a side that is on such a role. — SI.com, "Why England Supporters Are Wrong to Call for Raheem Sterling to Be Dropped for Croatia WC Semi Final," 11 July 2018 For that finale, flamethrowers were thrown into the mix, a cool touch, but wholly unnecessary. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Review: The Weeknd lives up to superstar status at Summerfest in Milwaukee," 7 July 2018 Black homebuyers who often have the same income and credit qualifications are denied mortgages more often than whites and are steered toward higher-interest subprime mortgages and charged unnecessary lender fees. — Michael Harriot, The Root, "Your Bank Is a White Supremacist," 22 June 2018 Chanse doesn't suggest answers so much as reiillustrate the question through additional unnecessary metaphors, resulting in more philosophical musings than drama. — Justin Hayford, Chicago Reader, "Too many metaphors spoil the drama in Opportunities of Extinction," 15 June 2018 The 30-minute footage shows Milwaukee police using unnecessary force over a parking violation, including the use of a stun gun. — Niki Mcgloster, Essence.com, "The Quick Read: Black Lives Matter Activists Protest $95 Million Chicago Police Academy," 24 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unnecessary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.