unnecessary
/ʌn'nesisəri/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not needed or required: Something that is "unnecessary" is not essential, not needed for a purpose, or could be omitted without affecting the outcome.
- Superfluous, excessive: Describes something that is more than what is needed or appropriate, often implying wastefulness.
Usage
The adjective "unnecessary" is used to describe actions, items, or details that are not required. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the thing described is avoidable, wasteful, or causes extra effort without benefit. - It typically precedes a noun (e.g., unnecessary expense). - It can follow linking verbs like be, seem, or become (e.g., The delay was unnecessary).
Examples
- Before a noun:
- The report was full of unnecessary details.
- We must avoid unnecessary risks.
- After a linking verb:
- His rude comment was completely unnecessary.
- All this paperwork seems unnecessary for such a simple task.
Advanced Usage
- "to make something unnecessary": To cause something to no longer be needed.
- The new software update makes the old manual unnecessary.
- "unnecessarily" (adverb): In a way that is not necessary.
- He apologized unnecessarily; it wasn't his fault.
Variants and Related Words
- Unnecessarily (adv): In an unnecessary manner.
- The instructions were unnecessarily complicated.
- Necessary (adj): Opposite of unnecessary; needed or essential.
- Water is necessary for life.
Synonyms
- Needless: Not needed; serves no purpose.
- Superfluous: Exceeding what is sufficient or required.
- Redundant: No longer needed or useful; superfluous.
- Gratuitous: Uncalled for; lacking good reason.
Antonyms
- Necessary: Required to be done, achieved, or present; essential.
- Essential: Absolutely necessary; extremely important.
- Required: Officially compulsory or mandatory.
- Vital: Absolutely necessary or important; essential.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- An unnecessary evil: Something bad or unpleasant that could and should be avoided.
- Many people view long commutes as an unnecessary evil of modern life.
- To go to unnecessary lengths / trouble: To expend more effort than is required.
- You went to unnecessary trouble preparing such a big meal for just us.
Adjective
-
not necessary
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