1. done without good reason; unnecessary and often harmful
2. given or done free of charge
Usage: formal

Examples

• The movie contained gratuitous violence that added nothing to the plot.
• His gratuitous insults hurt everyone’s feelings.
• The critic made gratuitous comments about the actor’s appearance.
• She offered gratuitous advice to the new employee.
• The hotel provided gratuitous breakfast for all guests.
• The lawyer gave gratuitous legal counsel to the charity.
• The gratuitous use of profanity made the speech inappropriate.