WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
need•less /ˈnidlɪs/USA pronunciation
adj.
need•less•ly, adv.
need•less•ness, n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- unnecessary:a needless waste of food.
- needless to say, (used to emphasize that what is about to be said is clear and obvious):We played the champions and, needless to say, lost again.
need•less•ly, adv.
need•less•ness, n. [uncountable]
need•less
(nēd′lis),USA pronunciation adj.
need′less•ly, adv.
need′less•ness, n.
- unnecessary;
not needed or wanted:a needless waste of food.
- Middle English nedles. See need, -less 1175–1225
need′less•ness, n.
- unessential, gratuitous, pointless, uncalled-for.