Word
needless
Phoneticsneed·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnidɫəs/
UK/nˈiːdləs/
Definitions
01unnecessary
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.
“The long delay caused a lot of needless worry for the passengers.”
“The report concluded that the restructuring had resulted in needless suffering for the staff, as many of the job cuts were later reversed.”
Usage
Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'needless to say' to introduce information that is already obvious.
Synonyms
02without cause
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
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.
“The soldiers were put in danger needless.”
“In the old chronicles, the king was described as one who would spend the lives of his subjects needless in pursuit of vanity.”
Teaching tip
This adverbial use is archaic; modern speakers should use 'needlessly' instead.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Middle English needlees, nedelees, nedeles, equivalent to need + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. needless to say
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/needless