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

Numbers can protect a relationship from unnecessary confusion. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026

Arm position, skin color and how recently the device was calibrated can all skew readings, raising the risk of false reassurance or unnecessary alarm. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Kiffin laid out the accusation when asked about Leavitt's struggles during the contest, and making a comment about music being played inside the stadium three days after the game ended seems unnecessary. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Large images, unnecessary scripts and plugins, poor hosting and other technical issues can slow the experience. — Chris Zelig, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 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