redundancy

[ ri-duhn-duhn-see ]

noun

, plural re·dun·dan·cies.

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

Ford said it hoped to make the majority of job cuts through voluntary redundancy.

From BBC

The new algorithm, developed by engineers at Princeton and Stanford Engineering, works by trimming redundancies and reducing the precision of an LLM's layers of information.

From Science Daily

A consultation with staff has opened, along with a voluntary redundancy scheme, in a push to bring down costs for a party which has struggled to attract major donors.

From BBC

They said it would result in reduced staff levels, but the store does not expect a major redundancy programme.

From BBC

The University of South Wales said it was predicting a shortfall of about £20m in 2024-25 and the action it was taking to address this was likely to include some redundancies.

From BBC

Related Words

• attrition