: not needed : unnecessary
needless waste
needlessly adverb
needlessness noun
Phrases
needless to say
: as is self-evident or to be expected

Examples of needless in a Sentence

needless expenditures that pushed the construction project way over budget
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And needless to say, traditional studios are no longer in the risk-taking game, with the two best picture nominees this year from those studios, Wicked and Dune: Part Two, both essentially franchise installments. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Almost, needless to say, the Ladypool side also want Baldoni’s $400 million suit tossed out. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Feb. 2025 Both shows have been renewed for a needless second season. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 But not all redundancies can be written off as needless red tape. Allison Morrow, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for needless 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of needless was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near needless

Cite this Entry

“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needless. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

needless

adjective
needlessly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on needless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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