needlessly

UK: ˈniːd.ləs.li | US: ˈniːd.ləs.li

Definition

  1. adv. in an unnecessary or excessive manner

  2. adv. without justification or purpose

Structure
need <requirement>less <without>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "needlessly" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Need" (from Old English nēod, meaning "requirement" or "necessity").
  2. "-less" (a suffix from Old English -lēas, meaning "without").
  3. "-ly" (an adverbial suffix from Old English -līce, used to form adverbs).

The progression is logical: "need" (requirement) + "-less" (absence) → "needless" (without requirement) + "-ly" → "needlessly" (in an unnecessary manner). The word evolved to describe actions performed without justification or beyond necessity.

Examples

  1. She worried needlessly about the exam, as she had prepared thoroughly.

  2. The report was criticized for being needlessly complex.

  3. He spent money needlessly on gadgets he never used.

  4. The argument escalated needlessly due to miscommunication.

  5. The law was seen as needlessly restrictive by many citizens.