Which vocabulary word is used to describe a quality that is unnecessary or excessive?

The term that describes a quality that is unnecessary or excessive is "superfluous." This word comes from the Latin root "superfluus," meaning "overflowing." It conveys the idea of something that exceeds what is sufficient, often implying that it not only goes beyond what is needed but may also be burdensome or redundant.

When something is labeled as superfluous, it suggests that it adds no value and may even hinder clarity or effectiveness. For example, in a written piece, superfluous details can distract from the main message or dilute the strength of the argument being presented.

The other choices represent different concepts unrelated to excess or unnecessary qualities. "Ostracism" pertains to exclusion from a group or community, "recluse" defines a person who lives in solitude, and "monotonous" refers to something dull and repetitive without variation. These terms capture different nuances that do not address the idea of being extra or unnecessary.