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.
This can lead to unnecessary restrictions or the overlooking of the important nutrients that carbs provide. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026 Defense attorneys, seated in a long row before Maguire while their clients sat in jail uniforms in the courtroom’s jury box, called the DA’s motion unnecessary, arguing any undue pretrial publicity began with prosecutors’ own news conference at the beginning of their criminal case. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026 While speaking with Spectrum News, Obama Shaw said his involvement in the community inspired his run for California governor, with a platform that includes solving the homelessness crisis, building more housing, and cutting unnecessary spending. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Over time, however, those same structures can slow routine decision-making and create unnecessary process dependency. Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessary. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

unnecessary

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

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