redundancy

American  

[ri-duhn-duhn-see] / rɪˈdʌn dən si /

Sometimes redundance

noun

redundancies plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• redundancies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of redundancy

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

Explanation

Use the noun redundancy to refer to something that's needlessly repeated. As much as you hate the redundancy of math drills, you have to admit that repetition is how you learned to multiply in the first place. The noun redundancy can also refer to something that is unneeded, or extra. If you own a circus and you want to keep costs down by eliminating redundancy, you may decide you only need two clowns, rather than the whole carload of clowns you planned on. Redundancy comes from the Latin word redundare, meaning to surge, or literally to overflow.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

redundancy redundancies

The redundancy program is expected to meaningfully reduce BMW's costs by 2028, the source said, with the bulk of departures coming next year.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

Volkswagen is weighing up to 100,000 job cuts across its 10 brands while Mercedes-Benz has its own voluntary redundancy program.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

The final effect of the sale of TSB to Banco Santander, a loss on the sale of an equity stake and another redundancy package in Spain all influenced Sabadell’s results, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

The majority acknowledges that its reading creates some overlap in the statute but concludes that a modest amount of redundancy is preferable to giving words an unnatural meaning.

From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026

Which—to mention it—is redundancy too, like the breathing or the need of ammunition.

From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner

Safeguards for Everllence's five German sites have been agreed as part of the deal, with compulsory redundancies ruled out until the end of 2030, VW said.

From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026

Everllence’s German sites will be retained under the new structure until at least the end of 2030 and compulsory redundancies will be ruled out during this period.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

It added that job vacancies declined by roughly 4% in the first quarter of 2026, while redundancies also remain elevated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

Despite the impact the war has been having on the already-struggling Iranian economy, including a massive wave of redundancies and a plunge of consumer spending, Tehran has shown little sign of backing down.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2026

Speaking of redundancies, think twice before using expressions like advance reservations, final conclusion, foreign import, free gift, prerecorded, refer back, or safe haven.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• repetition