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

There is no justification for American deaths in the name of the unsustainable and impractical goal of total military dominance, let alone unnecessary wars of choice. — Alexander Langlois, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

Beers was given a loose ball foul while Hamby received a flagrant 2 foul for unnecessary and excessive contact. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Not only that, unnecessary idling isn’t exactly great for your car’s engine. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Criticism and disappointment can cause unnecessary anxiety and severely cripple progress. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 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