Word
superfluous
Phoneticssu·per·flu·ous
US/ˈsupɝfɫˌwəs/
UK/suːpˈɜːfluːəs/
Definition
adj. more than what is needed, wanted, or useful. It describes something extra and unnecessary that could be removed without a problem.
adj. exceeding what is sufficient or required; being more than is needed or necessary. Adjective, typically carries a formal or critical register.
Examples
“He removes superfluous words from his writing.”
“The editor's main job is to remove superfluous language and tighten the author's prose for clarity.”
“In the minimalist design, any decorative element would have been superfluous, distracting from the pure form and function of the object itself.”
Examples
simple
“He removes superfluous words from his writing.”
contextual
“The editor's main job is to remove superfluous language and tighten the author's prose for clarity.”
complex
“In the minimalist design, any decorative element would have been superfluous, distracting from the pure form and function of the object itself.”
Real-World Examples
“For many Iranians, the new US sanctions campaign, called Operation Economic Outcast, seems superfluous given the grim economic situation in their country.” “While you do get the full suite of Google apps that you may not use, there’s no superfluous filler, sponsored placements, or duplicative apps.” Etymology
From Middle English superfluous, from Latin superfluus (“superfluous”), from superfluō (“overflow”), from super (“above, more than, over”) + fluō (“flow”). Compare mellifluous and fluid, also from Latin. Literally corresponds to overflow, which is from Germanic, rather than Latin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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