adverb Uncommon

unnecessarily

Unnecessarily (adverb) means In a way that is not needed. Example: “He apologized unnecessarily for something that wasn't his fault.”

adverb

In a way that is not needed.

"He apologized unnecessarily for something that wasn't his fault."

"The meeting dragged on unnecessarily long."

How to use unnecessarily

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDoing more than is actually required.

Common pairings

unnecessarily complicated unnecessarily harsh

more unnecessarily comparative, most unnecessarily superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

He apologized _____ for something that wasn't his fault.

From unnecessary + -ly.

necessarily

needs necessarily inevitably

ILY oily lily wily daily gaily Emily doily family Sicily easily bodily

What does “unnecessarily” mean?

The word “unnecessarily” means in a way that is not needed. In plain terms, doing more than is actually required.

How do you use “unnecessarily” in a sentence?

Here is “unnecessarily” used in a sentence: “He apologized unnecessarily for something that wasn't his fault.”

What is the opposite of “unnecessarily”?

The opposite of “unnecessarily” — its antonyms — is necessarily.

What part of speech is “unnecessarily”?

“Unnecessarily” is an adverb.

Is “unnecessarily” a common word?

“Unnecessarily” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Vocabulary lists that include unnecessarily:

needs necessarily inevitably