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.
Meanwhile, carbs are mostly unnecessary for cats and can cause additional health issues. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026 This creates a pattern of frequently replacing your air freshener, inconsistent performance, and unnecessary waste. Jon Stojan, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 By reducing unnecessary exposure to adult court, the Youth Charging Reform Act takes an important step toward protecting young people — particularly Black children — from lifelong consequences stemming from adolescent decision-making. Nicole D. Porter, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026 Our current regime-change and unnecessary war is as much of an error as a golfer who hits the ball into the woods. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessary. Accessed 28 Apr. 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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