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

This same line offers easy access to City Creek Center for local boutiques and shopping as well as the cultural hub of Temple Square, making a rental car largely unnecessary for exploring the downtown core. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026

In the near future, experts recommend postponing unnecessary travel if possible, checking refund or insurance policies and, most importantly, monitoring safety advisories. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

Through it all, this film calls us to question how, if ever, these unnecessary deaths can be prevented. —Davi Merchan, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026

Frantically running around with a stick vacuum and your all-purpose cleaner to ensure your crew isn’t aghast at the state of your home is completely unnecessary prep-work for you. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 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