Word
needlessly
Phoneticsneed·less·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnidɫəsɫi/
UK/nˈiːdləsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“The instructions were needlessly complicated.”
“The manager was needlessly rude to the new employee, which made the entire team feel uncomfortable.”
“By refusing to compromise on minor details, the committee needlessly delayed the project's completion by several months, incurring significant additional costs.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“Bridger-Staatz, a senior research fellow in population health, said thousands of lives could be lost needlessly in the next decade because of poor health related to being overweight or obese.” “It would be strange to needlessly throw away one third of the edible part of a banana every time you have one.” “Under local regulations in the region, "it is forbidden to needlessly disturb, attract or pursue a polar bear".” “But this setup also needlessly conflates the two tasks, and some choices that are optimal for one task might not be for the other.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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