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superfluous

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
superfluous

Superfluous describes something that is more than what is needed, desired, or required. Imagine a gift that is already perfectly wrapped, but then someone adds three more layers of paper and four extra bows; those additional layers are superfluous because they serve no functional purpose and only create excess. In terms of usage, this word is primarily used in formal or academic contexts to describe things that are redundant, unnecessary, or excessive. It is a great word to use when critiquing a piece of writing or a process that has become cluttered with unnecessary details or steps.

In conversation

Editing a report

I think we should cut the third chapter.

I think we should cut the third chapter.

Agreed, it's entirely superfluous to our main argument.

Agreed, it's entirely superfluous to our main argument.

Used to justify removing unnecessary content.

Discussing a project

Do we really need five different signatures on this form?

Do we really need five different signatures on this form?

It's just a bureaucratic hurdle; it feels completely superfluous.

It's just a bureaucratic hurdle; it feels completely superfluous.

Used to describe an excessive administrative requirement.

Examples

  1. She removed the superfluous words from her essay.

    She removed the superfluous words from her essay.

  2. The report was filled with superfluous information that distracted from the core findings.

    The report was filled with superfluous information that distracted from the core findings.

  3. In a minimalist lifestyle, one learns to discard anything deemed superfluous to their daily needs.

    In a minimalist lifestyle, one learns to discard anything deemed superfluous to their daily needs.

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