needless

adjective

need·​less ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
: 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.
Those calculations, needless to share, aren't shared with Lucy's clients, but processed in some amorphous zone between her head and her heart. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 June 2025 Such social media posts add to community concerns and generate needless fear, Flores said. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2025 President Donald Trump said Sunday has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of causing needless deaths with a massive assault on Ukrainian cities. Jana Kasperkevic, NBC news, 26 May 2025 Many teens and even older persons have been impacted, resulting in needless suffering and death. Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 15 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needless. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

needless

adjective
need·​less ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
needlessly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on needless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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