redundancy

American  

[ri-duhn-duhn-see] / rɪˈdʌn dən si /

Sometimes redundance

noun

plural

redundancies

1. the state of being redundant.

2. superfluous repetition or overlapping, especially of words.

3. a redundant thing, part, or amount; superfluity.

4. the provision of additional or duplicate systems, equipment, etc., that function in case an operating part or system fails, as in a spacecraft.

5. Linguistics.

   1. the inclusion of more information than is necessary for communication, as in those cars, where both words are marked for plurality.

   2. the additional, predictable information so included.

   3. the degree of predictability thereby created.

6. Chiefly British.

   1. the condition or fact of being unemployed; unemployment.

   2. a layoff.

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redundancy British  

/ rɪˈdʌndənsɪ /

noun

1. 1. the state or condition of being redundant or superfluous, esp superfluous in one's job

   2. ( as modifier )

      a redundancy payment

2. excessive proliferation or profusion, esp of superfluity

3. duplication of components in electronic or mechanical equipment so that operations can continue following failure of a part

4. repetition of information or inclusion of additional information to reduce errors in telecommunication transmissions and computer processing

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redundancy Cultural  

1. Unnecessary repetition in speech or writing. The expression freedom and liberty is redundant.

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Etymology

Origin of redundancy

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin redundantia “an overflowing, excess,” derivative of redundāns “overflowing, abounding”; redundant

Example Sentences

"I've been representing bar workers for over a decade and it is the worst mass redundancy I have dealt with, including during the pandemic," he told BBC Scotland News.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Those numbers come after United minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, who heads the club's football operation, oversaw a redundancy and restructuring programme that saw around 450 jobs cut.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Every serious trading desk also has redundancy: multiple data providers, multiple risk systems or multiple ways to sanity-check a model.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

The new Florida site will provide D-Wave a “bicoastal presence for system redundancy in the case of disaster recovery,” according to the news release about the new headquarters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

This way, Mum'd told Aunt Alice on the phone, they don't have to pay Dad a penny in redundancy money.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• repetition