unnecessary (A2)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈnɛsəˌsɛri/

Definition

Not needed or required; superfluous.

Examples

• The extra steps in the process were unnecessary and wasted time.

• He made several unnecessary comments that upset his colleagues.

• Please avoid making unnecessary noise in the library.

How to Use unnecessary

unnecessary for (prepositional phrase)

Not required for a particular purpose or situation. — "It is unnecessary for you to bring any food; we have plenty."

unnecessary to (prepositional phrase)

Not required to do something. — "There is no need to shout; it is unnecessary to raise your voice."

Synonyms of unnecessary

Words with a similar meaning to unnecessary:

• needless
• superfluous
• redundant
• gratuitous

Antonyms of unnecessary

Words with the opposite meaning to unnecessary:

• necessary
• essential

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary