rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysuperfluousBeyond what is needed
adjective

superfluous

soo-PER-floo-us/suːˈpɜːrfluəs/

Unnecessary because there is already enough.

The extra puzzle piece is superfluous because every space is filled.

A completely filled four-piece wooden shape puzzle with an extra duplicate piece beside it: every space is already occupied, so the spare piece has no useful place.
Etymology
superLatinover, beyond
+fluousLatinto flow

The pieces give the image of flowing over or overflowing. Latin already used that image for what is unnecessary: an excess beyond what is needed.

In context

Mind Pump Show3:01
that we're not actually providing that value from both a material like stuff perspective and also from like the courses and programs that we're offering perspective just cutting out the superfluous stuff to have more focus
1742: Changing Your Environment, Staple Daily Movements, Breathwork, & More With Aaron Alexander

More examples

  • The summary makes the final paragraph superfluous.
  • She deletes superfluous words to keep the instructions clear.
  • A second reminder is superfluous when everyone has already replied.

Forms

superfluous

superfluity noun — An amount beyond what is needed.

Similar words

redundant
Usually repeats something already present rather than merely exceeding need.
unnecessary
Broader term for anything not needed, regardless of existing quantity.