Needless

/ˈniːd.ləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not necessary; not required; superfluous.
The lengthy explanation was needless since everyone already understood the topic.
Causing unnecessary inconvenience or suffering.
His needless comments only served to upset her further.
Having no useful purpose; excessive.
She felt that the decorations were needless and took away from the main event.

Etymology

From need + -less, meaning without need.

Common Phrases and Expressions

needless to say
It goes without saying; it is obvious.

Related Words

need
a requirement or necessity.
less
a smaller amount of or reduced.

Slang Meanings

Pointless or irrelevant.
That argument was so needless, we should have just skipped it.
Uncalled for; lacking justification.
Her comments were needless at that point in the conversation.