299 Another Word for Needless? - Needless Synonyms & Antonyms

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Meaning of needless

The primary meaning of "needless" is something that is not necessary or required.

Etymology of needless

The word "needless" has its origin in Old English "nīdlēas", which is a combination of "nīd" (need) and the suffix "-lēas" (less), meaning without need.
Historically, the term has been used to describe actions, events, or things that are unnecessary, unjustified, or lacking in purpose.

Synonyms

unnecessary pointless futile unrequired unjustified unwarranted gratuitous uncalled-for superfluous excess redundant dispensable expendable avoidable preventable baseless groundless unfounded unprovoked unwarranted unmerited undeserved unjustifiable indefensible unneeded pointless purposeless meaningless aimless idle frivolous useless unproductive ineffective ineffectual fruitless barren unfruitful sterile vain empty hollow unserviceable unavailing idle nugatory abortive stillborn Otiose useless valueless worthless unrewarding unremunerative unrecompensed unrequited thankless bootless profitless gainless unprofitable disadvantageous detrimental harmful hurtful injurious deleterious pernicious baneful noxious maleficent malign inimical adverse unfavorable inopportune inexpedient imprudent ill-advised ill-considered ill-judged misjudged unwise imprudent rash reckless impulsive hasty precipitate premature unseasonable inapt inappropriate inapposite incongruous inconsistent discrepant incompatible inconsequential insignificant inconsequential trivial petty paltry negligible imperceptible inconsiderable minute slight small infinitesimal microscopic unsubstantial insubstantial unsatisfactory inadequate insufficient deficient incomplete imperfect fragmentary sketchy crude rudimentary incomplete sketchy

Definitions

Not necessary or required
Unjustified or unwarranted
Serving no practical purpose or having no significant effect

Usage Examples

The company's decision to downsize was deemed needless by many employees, as it led to widespread job losses without significantly improving the company's financial situation.
The new policy has been criticized for being needless, as it duplicates existing regulations and creates unnecessary bureaucracy.
The teacher tried to explain the concept again, but the student felt it was needless, as they had already grasped the idea.

Antonyms

necessary required needed essential vital crucial important urgent imperative mandatory obligatory compulsory inevitable unavoidable inescapable indispensable requisite demanded called-for justified warranted reasonable sensible prudent wise timely opportune expedient advisable judicious well-advised well-considered well-judged prudent cautious careful deliberate considered thoughtful reflective purposeful meaningful significant consequential substantial satisfactory adequate sufficient complete perfect thorough exhaustive comprehensive detailed elaborate intricate complex substantial material considerable appreciable perceptible noticeable significant momentous monumental historic crucial decisive pivotal critical urgent pressing compelling forceful potent effective efficacious efficient productive valuable useful beneficial helpful advantageous favorable opportune fortunate lucky propitious auspicious promising encouraging heartening inspiring