Pointers initially seem unnecessary (8)
I believe the answer is:
needless
'unnecessary' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'pointers initially seem' is the wordplay.
'pointers' becomes 'needles' (needle is a kind of pointer).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'seem' is 's'.
'needles'+'s'='NEEDLESS'
(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Gratuitous" , "Excessive" , "- - to say" , "Otiose" , "Unnecessary, avoidable" .)