What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avoidable
Example
Accidents are often avoidable if we follow traffic rules. [avoidable: adjective]
Example
She tried to avoidable eye contact with her ex-boyfriend. [avoidable: noun]
unnecessary
Example
Please don't bring any unnecessary items on our trip. [unnecessary: adjective]
Example
He found the long meeting to be unnecessary and unproductive. [unnecessary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unnecessary is more commonly used than avoidable in everyday language. Unnecessary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while avoidable is less common and is more specific to situations where prevention or evasion is possible.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between avoidable and unnecessary?
Both avoidable and unnecessary can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, unnecessary is slightly more formal and can be preferred in more professional or academic settings.