Meaning & Definition of Unnecessary in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Not required or not needed.

  Example Sentence: The extra features on the phone are unnecessary for most users.

• Definition: Serving no purpose or function.

  Example Sentence: He felt it was unnecessary to explain his actions.

• Definition: Excessive or superfluous.

  Example Sentence: The unnecessary delays in the project caused frustration among the team.

• Definition: Not obligatory.

  Example Sentence: Attending the meeting is unnecessary if you have already provided your report.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English 'unnecessarie', from Old French 'unnecessaire', from Latin 'unnecessarius' (not necessary).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• unnecessary evil: Something undesirable but unavoidable.
• raise unnecessary alarm: To cause unnecessary worry or panic.
• make it unnecessary: To eliminate the need for something.

Translations

• Spanish: innecesario

• French: inutile

• German: unnötig

• Russian: ненужный

Related Words

• need: A requirement or necessity.

• necessitate: To make something necessary.

• essential: Absolutely necessary; crucial.

Slang Meanings of unnecessary

• Meaning: Too extra

  Example Sentence: That outfit is just too extra for a casual outing.

• Meaning: Over the top

  Example Sentence: His reaction was really over the top for such an unnecessary situation.