adjective

unnecessary

uhn-NEHS-uh-srih

adjective

Not needed; more than is required.

"The doctor said the surgery was unnecessary and recommended physical therapy instead."

"She packed three unnecessary suitcases for a two-day trip."

How to Use Unnecessary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot needed — something you could do without.

Common pairings

unnecessary risk unnecessary delay deem unnecessary

more unnecessary comparative, most unnecessary superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The doctor said the surgery was _____ and recommended physical therapy instead.

From un- + necessary.

necessary needed required mandatory

imperative bathroom important outhouse necessary redundant circumstantial compulsory

vary Mary nary wary Gary Cary diary ovary weary scary teary deary

necessary needed required mandatory imperative bathroom important outhouse redundant circumstantial compulsory