needlessly

English

Etymology

From needless +‎ -ly.

Adverb

needlessly (comparative more needlessly, superlative most needlessly)

  1. In a needless manner.
  2. To a degree or extent beyond what is needed.
    He was always needlessly anxious about his dog.
    • 1902, Herbert George Wells, Anticipations:
      At present that convenience is still needlessly expensive in Great Britain, and a scandalously stupid business conflict between telephone company and post-office delays, complicates, and makes costly and exasperating all trunk communications; but even under these disadvantages the thing is becoming a factor in the life of ordinary villadom.
  3. Without need.
    He worried needlessly about his dog.

Synonyms

Translations

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