superfluousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superfluousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality or state of being unnecessary or excessive. Example: "The superfluousness of the additional features in the software made it difficult for users to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"True courage," says Heinrich Bermann, in a line that could have come right out of Sartre's "Roads to Freedom" trilogy, "is often nothing other than the expression of a metaphysical conviction, so to speak, of our own superfluousness".

The New Yorker

The World Series success of the Yankees did not inspire such Bloombergian diffidence, even in the minds of uncommitteds — but there were those who found themselves comparing one orderly, overdog success with the other, and noting the almost indecent superfluousness of attacks made on their opponents (the Post on "the Frillies"; Bloomberg on Bill Thompson).

The New Yorker

Known as the Dinosaur Hunter for his attacks on the superfluousness of the Big Three, Romney became a champion of smaller, more efficient cars.

The New York Times

But one day last summer, we took a nine-mile hike along a lazy river and spent six miles of it in silence, mutually rejecting the superfluousness of words.

The New York Times

It shows the utter superfluousness of punctuation.

The Guardian - Books

An eminent academician published a paper explaining that the happy citizens of the future would have all the shoes and socks and underwear they needed, "but this in no way presupposes superfluousness or extravagance".

The Guardian - Books

Beset, like many New Yorkers, with feelings of helplessness and superfluousness, Mr. Zwirner decided to postpone the next exhibition at his gallery and instead organize a show to benefit the victims.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Substitute "superfluousness" with "redundancy" or "excessiveness" if you need to achieve a clearer and more direct phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "superfluousness" in overly complex sentences where a simpler term like "excess" or "unnecessary" would suffice. Clarity should always be prioritized.

Linguistic Context

The noun "superfluousness" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, representing the quality or state of being superfluous. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples demonstrating its role in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superfluousness" describes the quality or state of being unnecessary or excessive. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage in written English, albeit uncommonly. It is mostly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the formality of your tone and choose a simpler alternative when possible, as it could lead to confusion. Related terms include "excessiveness" and "redundancy". By using "superfluousness" judiciously, you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessiveness

Focuses on the degree to which something goes beyond what is necessary or reasonable.

redundancy

Highlights the duplication of something, making part of it unnecessary.

unnecessariness

Directly states the lack of necessity for something.

gratuitousness

Implies something is uncalled for or unwarranted, in addition to being unnecessary.

overabundance

Emphasizes having more than what is needed.

surplusage

Refers to the existence of a surplus or excess.

inessentiality

Highlights the lack of essential nature or importance.

nonessential nature

Emphasizes the lack of essential nature or importance.

extraneousness

Indicates that something is irrelevant or not pertinent to the matter at hand.

unrequired nature

Highlights that something isn't requested or needed.

FAQs

How can I use "superfluousness" in a sentence?

You can use "superfluousness" to describe the state of being unnecessary or excessive. For example: "The "superfluousness of the additional features" made the software difficult to navigate".

What words can I use instead of "superfluousness"?

Alternatives to "superfluousness" include "excessiveness", "redundancy", or "unnecessariness", depending on the specific context.

Is "superfluousness" a formal word?

Yes, "superfluousness" is considered a formal word. In less formal contexts, simpler terms like "unnecessary" or "extra" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "superfluousness" and "redundancy"?

"Superfluousness" generally refers to something being beyond what is required, while "redundancy" specifically implies duplication or repetition that makes something unnecessary. "Superfluousness" is a broader term.