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

What constitutes pass interference or unnecessary roughness can vary dramatically from one crew to another, and even from quarter to quarter within the same game. —Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Since many patients eventually regain natural speech and only need temporary assistance, invasive solutions such as brain implants are often unnecessary. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026

That oversight breaks state law and leaves patients with unnecessary costs. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Absent reasonable testing thresholds, Sams contends, the sport invites needless controversy and imposes unnecessary hardship on its participants. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 21 Jan. 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