ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unnecessary

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ənˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi// UK //ʌnnˈɛsəsəɹi// un·nec·es·sary General-service

adj. not needed or more than what is required for a situation. You use this to describe things that are extra and do not help.

adj. not required under the circumstances; redundant or superfluous. Often carries a negative connotation implying a waste of time, effort, or resources.


SIMPLE

The extra meeting was completely unnecessary.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor told him that surgery was unnecessary because the injury would heal with rest.

COMPLEX

Adding further layers of bureaucracy to an already complex system is unnecessary and will likely lead to significant delays in processing applications.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From un- + necessary.

Usage

Typically functions as an attributive adjective before a noun or a predicative adjective after a linking verb.

Pitfall

It is unnecessary that you go.It is unnecessary for you to go.When followed by a personal subject, this adjective typically takes a 'for... to' infinitive structure rather than a 'that' clause.

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