needless
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not needed, especially when it causes worry or trouble.
adj.unnecessary or redundant; often used to describe avoidable negative outcomes or actions.
Simple“The long delay caused a lot of needless worry for the passengers.”
In context“The report concluded that the restructuring had resulted in needless suffering for the staff, as many of the job cuts were later reversed.”
UsageCommonly used in the fixed phrase 'needless to say' to introduce information that is already obvious.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
adv.in a way that is not necessary.
adv.occurring without necessity or justification. This adverbial form is largely replaced by 'needlessly' in modern contexts.
Simple“The soldiers were put in danger needless.”
In context“In the old chronicles, the king was described as one who would spend the lives of his subjects needless in pursuit of vanity.”
Teacher's tipThis adverbial use is archaic; modern speakers should use 'needlessly' instead.
Synonyms
“Busy running was a feature of the stand, until Brook attempted a needless single to mid-wicket and was run out at the non-striker's end.”
“Needless to say, she tries to kill them first.”
From Middle English needlees, nedelees, nedeles, equivalent to need + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.