formal 3K

Redundancy

UK //rɪˈdʌndənsi// US //rɪˈdʌndənsi// Pronunciation

Definition

The state of being not needed or unnecessary, especially in language or employment.

Listen to definition

In simple words: Having more than is needed; unnecessary repetition.

Examples

• The report contained a lot of redundancy that made it hard to read.
• In programming, redundancy can lead to inefficient code.
• The company's layoffs were a response to financial redundancy.
• Avoid redundancy in your writing to keep it clear and concise.
• Redundancy in communication can cause misunderstanding.

Usage notes

Often used in formal contexts, particularly in business or technical discussions. Avoid using in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'redundancy' as 'really extra' - too much of something.

Collocations

• avoid redundancy
• semantic redundancy
• job redundancy
• redundancy payment
• redundancy in language

Synonyms

• superfluity
• unnecessariness
• repetition
• surplus
• excess

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'redundant' - 'redundancy' is a noun, while 'redundant' is an adjective.
• Using in an informal context - 'redundancy' is not commonly used in casual speech.
• Confusing redundancy in job contexts with redundancy in language.