needless

/'ni:dlis/

Thân thiện

The manager gave a needless warning about the already tidy workspace.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Unnecessary; not required: Describing something that is not needed or could be avoided. 2. Unwarranted; without good reason: Describing an action, expense, or consequence that lacks justification.

Usage

The adjective "needless" is used to describe a noun, indicating that the thing is superfluous or avoidable. It often carries a critical tone, suggesting waste, inefficiency, or a negative outcome that could have been prevented.

Examples

• General Use:

  • The report was full of needless repetition, making it difficult to read.
  • We must avoid needless expense during the budget review.
  • The accident resulted in needless suffering for the victims.

• Common Phrase: "needless to say":

  • Needless to say, we were all very disappointed with the result. (This phrase introduces a statement that is so obvious it does not require saying.)

Advanced Usage

• "needless of" (archaic/formal): Not paying attention to; heedless of.
  • He charged forward, needless of the dangers that lay ahead. (Note: This usage is less common in modern English.)

Variants and Related Words

• Needlessly (adverb): In an unnecessary manner.
  • The project was needlessly complicated by poor communication.
• Needlessness (noun): The state or quality of being unnecessary.
  • The needlessness of the delay frustrated everyone.

Synonyms

• Unnecessary
• Superfluous
• Gratuitous (often for something negative given or done without good reason)
• Uncalled-for
• Dispensable

Antonyms

• Necessary
• Essential
• Required
• Indispensable

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• Needless to say: As is obvious; it goes without saying. This is the most common idiomatic use of the word.
  • Needless to say, he was fired after missing the important meeting.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. unnecessary and unwarranted
   • a strikers' tent camp...was burned with needless loss of life

Từ đồng nghĩa

• gratuitous
• uncalled-for