unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈne-sə-ˌser-ē How to pronounce unnecessary (audio)
Synonyms of unnecessarynext
: not necessary
took unnecessary precautions

Examples of unnecessary in a Sentence

In this city, owning a car is unnecessary. Let's not take any unnecessary risks.
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.
When shown how to open the puzzles, children copied all the steps, even unnecessary ones. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 This neutral boundary-setting phrase avoids unnecessary over-explaining. Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 No roadways are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Jan. 2026 In June 2024, Pacheco was charged with conspiring to commit healthcare fraud and related charges accusing her of falsely billing private insurers millions of dollars for medically unnecessary services at her addiction treatment center in Hialeah. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnecessary

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unnecessary was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessary. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

unnecessary

adjective
un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē How to pronounce unnecessary (audio)
ˈən-
: not necessary

More from Merriam-Webster on unnecessary

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