unnecessarily

adverb

un·​nec·​es·​sar·​i·​ly ˌən-ˌne-sə-ˈser-ə-lē How to pronounce unnecessarily (audio)
: not by necessity : to an unnecessary degree
unnecessarily harsh criticism

Examples of unnecessarily in a Sentence

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.
Bulky Packaging Your pantry could be unnecessarily cluttered from items stored in bulky packaging. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Dec. 2025 Some volunteers feel strongly about hunger issues, others are concerned about the environmental implications of food unnecessarily being thrown away. Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Dec. 2025 Zoox analyzed driving data and identified 62 cases between August 26 and December 5 where vehicles crossed lane markings unnecessarily near intersections. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025 Airports swell with families, departure boards flicker with delays and suddenly even the most routine trip feels unnecessarily complicated. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnecessarily

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unnecessarily was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnecessarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessarily. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unnecessarily

adverb
un·​nec·​es·​sar·​i·​ly ˌən-ˌnes-ə-ˈser-ə-lē How to pronounce unnecessarily (audio)
1
: not by necessity
spent money unnecessarily
2
: to an unnecessary degree
an unnecessarily harsh punishment

More from Merriam-Webster on unnecessarily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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