different between unnecessariness vs unnecessary

English

Etymology

unnecessary +? -ness

Noun

unnecessariness (uncountable)

1. The state or characteristic of being unnecessary.
   • 1808, Works of Joseph Hall, D.D, Vol. 9, edited by Josiah Pratt, London, p. 9:

     The unavoidableness of which effects hath carried some of their Casuists into an opinion, of the unnecessariness of devotion in these holy businesses: so as one says . . . "Though it be convenient, that the Communicant should have actual devotion; yet, it is not necessary."

   • 1913, Arnold Bennett, The Human Machine, p. 73:

     A disciplined brain will at once show the unnecessariness of most ambitions, and will ensure that the remainder shall be conducted with reason.

   • 2007, Karen von Hahn, "Unnecessary Accessories of the Rich and Famous," Globe and Mail, 15 June (retrieved 30 Aug. 2009):

     In the sad case of Paris Hilton, whose sheer unnecessariness epitomizes her career, her unnecessary accessory of choice is an SUV.

Synonyms

• gratuitousness, needlessness

Antonyms

• necessariness
• necessity

English

Etymology

un- +? necessary

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?n?n?.s?.s(?)?? /, /?n?n?.s??s?.??/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?n?n?.s??s?.?i/
• Rhymes: -æri
• (UK, US, nonstandard) IPA^(key): /?n?n?s.?.??/

Adjective

unnecessary (comparative more unnecessary, superlative most unnecessary)

1. Not needed or necessary.

   The automatic child-frightener made clowns unnecessary.
2. Done in addition to requirements; unrequired.

Synonyms

• (not needed): superfluous, unneeded, needless, innecessary
• (in addition to requirements): additional, innecessary

Antonyms

• (not needed): necessary, needed
• (in addition to requirements): required, mandatory

Derived terms

Translations