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

More than once the double and even triple redundancy embedded in the UX had me doubting my sanity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Archer says safety is a top priority, and its aircraft are designed with redundancy across critical systems to prevent incidents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Chris Hamilton, who was a union representative for Unite during the redundancy process at Grangemouth, said that while any funding was welcome more detail was needed to make the latest announcement more than "glossy PR".

Read more on BBC

Garden House Hospice Care in Hertfordshire has announced what it calls "the most serious financial challenge in its history" and has launched a consultation process which may lead to more than 20 redundancies.

Read more on BBC

The Pentagon also needs money to buy redundancy so it isn’t stuck with only one vendor who can produce a given weapon.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• repetition