gra·tu·i·tous 
(grə-tĭ-təs, -ty-)
(grə-tĭ-təs, -ty-)adj.
1. Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned.
2. Given or received without cost or obligation; free.
3. Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: gratuitous criticism.
[From Latin grātuītus; see gwerə-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
gra·tui·tous·ly adv.
gra·tui·tous·ness n.