needless

adjective

ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
Definition of needlessnext
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end needless expenditures that pushed the construction project way over budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of needless The trade war with Canada is needless and will take a long time to be restored. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2026 This saves power and prevents needless mechanical wear and tear. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Still, the economic particulars underpinning this needless antagonism essentially are beside the point. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for needless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needless
unnecessary
Adjective
  • By reducing unnecessary travel and manual handling, AutoStore aims to help improve speed, efficiency and workplace productivity while making better use of available warehouse space.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For the United States, Gateway was an unnecessary distraction and expense as NASA goes all-in on placing a surface station near the Moon’s south pole.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of unnecessary

Phrases Containing needless

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needles
needless
needless to say
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Cite this Entry

“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needless. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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