Needlessly
/ˈniːd.ləs.li/
Definitions
In a way that is not necessary; without good reason.
/ˈniːd.ləs.li/
Without a necessary reason; unnecessarily.
The company spent money *needlessly* on advertising during a recession.
💡 Simply: When you do something that wasn't really needed, like buying extra snacks when you already have plenty. It's doing something that is unnecessary.
👶 For kids: Doing something that you didn't need to do.
More Examples
He worried *needlessly* about the exam.
The argument escalated *needlessly* due to a misunderstanding.
The surgery was *needlessly* invasive.
How It's Used
"The police reacted, at times, to the protests, and, as usual, that's where things went wrong. They responded violently and, in the process, *needlessly* escalated things."
"The defendant argued that the evidence was *needlessly* inflammatory and should be excluded."
"The report concluded that the military operation resulted in *needlessly* high civilian casualties."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From "needless" (without need) + "-ly" (adverbial suffix). "Needless" itself comes from "need" + "-less".
The word "needlessly" has been in use since at least the late 17th century, evolving from earlier usage of "needles" and "need." Its use has broadened over time, with early examples often relating to legal or ethical contexts, emphasizing actions taken without justification.
Memory tip
Imagine a task being done when it wasn't even required. That's 'needlessly'.
Word Origin
"A state requiring supply or relief; necessity."