Superfluous

usgb/suːˈpɜːrfluəs/
adjective

More than is needed or wanted; unnecessary.

In the face of such courage, further comment is superfluous.
Visual representation of "superfluous" - More than is needed or wanted; unnecessary.

Often appears as...

  • superfluous detail
  • become superfluous
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "superfluous"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Avoid redundancy

Use 'superfluous' to point out something unnecessary that repeats what's already been said or done.

Illustration for Avoid redundancy
His apologies were superfluous; she'd already forgiven him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Connotation of waste

'Superfluous' often implies that the excess is wasteful or could be avoided.

Illustration for Connotation of waste
The meeting was filled with superfluous conversations that wasted our time.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Critique of excess

When describing work or an argument, 'superfluous' signals unnecessary complexity or over-elaboration.

Illustration for Critique of excess
Her essay was good, but the superfluous details obscured her main argument.
Visual representation of the word "Superfluous"

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