unnecessary

adjective

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

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.
And with both parties’ primaries rendered unnecessary, the state is gearing up for a prolonged general. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025 For example, when commuting in the city, only one or two people may be in the car at a time, making large, heavy vehicles unnecessary. The Editors, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2025 Harvard Business Review highlights that executives spend up to 23 hours per week in meetings alone, no small number of which are considered unnecessary. Michael Goshka, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Jhaveri points out that the ongoing outbreak is mostly among unvaccinated people, not those who have been vaccinated, and so getting a third dose would be unnecessary. Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessary. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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