adjective
unnecessary
Not needed.
A second trip is unnecessary because we have everything we need.
Etymology
The negative prefix denies necessity. Something unnecessary is not required to meet the purpose or circumstances at hand.
More examples
- Please delete any unnecessary words from the report.
- The new process eliminates unnecessary paperwork.
- Calling ahead saves us an unnecessary wait.
Forms
unnecessary
unnecessarily adverb — In a way that is not needed.
Similar words
- needless
- Emphasizes that something could or should have been avoided.
- redundant
- Describes something extra because another item serves its purpose.
- superfluous
- Suggests something exceeds what is needed or useful.