redeeming

American  

[ri-dee-ming] / rɪˈdi mɪŋ /

adjective

1. offsetting or counterbalancing some fault, defect, or the like.

   a redeeming quality.

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redeeming British  

/ rɪˈdiːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving to compensate for faults or deficiencies in quality, etc

   one redeeming feature

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Other Word Forms

• unredeeming
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of redeeming

First recorded in 1745–55; redeem + -ing ²

Explanation

A redeeming characteristic is one that counteracts or corrects something negative. If you can only think of one good thing about your next door neighbor, for example, that one thing is her redeeming quality. Your grandpa may be a difficult person who constantly criticizes you and complains about life. If, however, he makes the best chocolate chip cookies you've ever tasted, you can say that cookie baking is his redeeming quality. And if your dog is truly odd-looking, not cute at all except for her long ears, those ears are her one redeeming physical trait — they're the positive thing that balances out all the negatives.

Example Sentences

She is Northern Ireland development manager of Redeeming our Communities, which provides free uniform items in seven centres throughout Belfast and Dundonald during the summer months.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025

Redeeming points to capture the most value can take some sleuthing.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2022

Another Universal release, the faith-based romantic drama "Redeeming Love," secured fourth place with $1.85 million from 1,963 theaters.

From Reuters • Jan. 30, 2022

Redeeming Washington’s ugly play, however, was New York’s even uglier play.

From Washington Post • Sep. 17, 2021

He gained his liberty through the assistance of the Redeeming Friars, a noble body of men who were the means of freeing thousands of Christians from captivity.

From Literary Byways by Andrews, William