needlessly

From needless + -ly.

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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.

• unnecessarily