ENGLISH
REFERENCE

needlessly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnidɫəsɫi// UK //nˈiːdləsli// need·less·ly

adv. in a way that is not necessary and often causes problems. You use this when someone does something that makes a situation worse for no good reason.

adv. in an unnecessary or redundant manner, often resulting in negative consequences. Typically modifies verbs or adjectives to indicate that an action or quality lacks justification.


SIMPLE

The instructions were needlessly complicated.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager was needlessly rude to the new employee, which made the entire team feel uncomfortable.

COMPLEX

By refusing to compromise on minor details, the committee needlessly delayed the project's completion by several months, incurring significant additional costs.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or after the verb in a clause.

Pitfall

He acted needless.He acted needlessly.Learners often use the adjective 'needless' when the adverbial form 'needlessly' is required to modify an action.

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