needless
NEED-luhs
Needless (adj) means not necessary; unwarranted. Example: “Try to avoid needless risk when hiking alone.”
adj
1
Not necessary; unwarranted.
"Try to avoid needless risk when hiking alone."
"It would be needless to repeat the instructions, since everyone has already read them."
"She apologised for the needless delay and promised it would not happen again."
How to use needless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that didn't have to happen — unnecessary.
Common pairings
needless suffering
needless to say
needless risk
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more needless
- Superlative
- most needless
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Try to avoid _____ risk when hiking alone.
Etymology
From need + -less.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “needless” mean?
The word “needless” means not necessary; unwarranted. In plain terms, something that didn't have to happen — unnecessary.
How do you pronounce “needless”?
“Needless” is pronounced NEED-luhs (/ˈniːdləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “needless” in a sentence?
Here is “needless” used in a sentence: “Try to avoid needless risk when hiking alone.”
What part of speech is “needless”?
“Needless” is an adjective.
Is “needless” a common word?
“Needless” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between needless and unnecessary?
Needless and unnecessary are very close in meaning, both describing something that is not required. Needless often carries a slightly stronger implication that the thing could easily have been avoided, as in "needless suffering" or "needless risk."
Is needless a formal or everyday word?
Needless is a standard, everyday adjective used in both spoken and written English. It is not slang or informal, but it does appear more often in writing and measured speech than in casual conversation.
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