English Reference
Adjective

superfluous

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈsupɝfɫˌwəs/ UK /suːpˈɜːfluːəs/ su·per·flu·ous

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.


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.

For many Iranians, the new US sanctions campaign, called Operation Economic Outcast, seems superfluous given the grim economic situation in their country.

The Guardian· 31 Aug 2026

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.

Ars Technica· 19 Aug 2026

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.

This entry
Origin Latin superfluus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated