needless
UK: ˈniːdləs | US: ˈniːdləs
adj. unnecessary; not required
adj. superfluous; serving no useful purpose
The word "needless" combines "need" (from Old English nēod, meaning "necessity" or "desire") with the suffix "-less" (from Old English -lēas, meaning "without"). The suffix "-less" is a productive morpheme in English, often added to nouns to form adjectives indicating absence (e.g., "fearless," "careless"). "Needless" emerged in Middle English (14th century) to describe something "without need" or "unnecessary," retaining this logical negation in modern usage.
The lengthy explanation was needless; a simple answer would suffice.
She avoided needless expenses to save money.
His needless interference caused more problems than solutions.
The report was cluttered with needless details.
They argued over needless trivialities.