Onödigt

Onödigt is a Swedish word meaning unnecessary or unnecessarily. It functions as an adjective and, in its adverbial use, as an adverb meaning “unnecessarily.” As an adjective it agrees with the noun it modifies: en onödig sak (a unnecessary thing), ett onödigt misstag (a unnecessary mistake), onödiga kostnader (unnecessary costs).

Etymology and forms: onödigt is formed from nödig (necessary) with the negating prefix on-, yielding onödig (not necessary) and its neuter adverbial form onödigt. In attributive position the adjective takes onödig (en onödig vana) or onödiga in plural (onödiga utgifter). The adverbial sense “unnecessarily” is expressed by onödigt, often modifying adjectives (onödigt dyrt – unnecessarily expensive) or entire clauses (Det var onödigt av honom att ringa). The noun form is onödighet, meaning the quality of being unnecessary.

Usage and nuance: Onödigt is common in both spoken and written Swedish. It marks inefficiency, excess, or lack of justification. It can describe actions, costs, or situations as not required or regrettably excessive. It is often used to express mild criticism or justification for reducing waste or effort, as in “Det var onödigt dyrt att köpa bilen” or “Det var onödigt att stanna längre.”

Related terms: antonyms include nödvändig and nödvändigt (necessary, essential). The noun form is onödighet, describing the state of being unnecessary.