redundancy

Sometimes re·dun·dance

[ri-duhn-duhn-see]

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.

redundancy

/ 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

redundancy

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of redundancy¹

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

Example Sentences

That would require big cuts, with Morgan warning of "mass redundancies".

Read more on BBC

Ms. Sherrill wants to limit property taxes by forcing certain school districts to merge, which would reduce costly redundancies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The company plans to cut the workforce through natural attrition, a reduction of positions, divestment, outsourcing, and redundancies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The company is planning to lose about 60 staff and has started a voluntary redundancy programme.

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This followed two rounds of redundancies, during which more than 400 people lost their jobs, including many long-term staff members.

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Related Words

• repetition