Redundant
/rɪˈdʌndənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsExceeding what is necessary; serving no useful purpose.
/rɪˈdʌndənt/
Exceeding what is necessary or normal; superfluous.
The report was filled with redundant information that could have been easily omitted.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story. If you say the same thing twice, or include extra details that don't really add anything, that part of the story is redundant, like when you repeat yourself when the other person already gets what you're saying.
👶 For kids: When something is extra, and you don't need it anymore, like having too many toys.
More Examples
The phrase 'added bonus' is considered redundant as a bonus is inherently something added.
The software was updated to eliminate redundant code.
How It's Used
"The author's description of the sunset was redundant; we'd already seen it."
"The company eliminated redundant positions to cut costs."
No longer needed or useful; replaced or discharged.
/rɪˈdʌndənt/
No longer needed or useful; serving no further purpose.
Many employees were made redundant when the factory closed down.
💡 Simply: When a company has to let someone go, that person is made redundant. It means the company doesn't need their job anymore, usually because of changes in the business or the job being completed.
👶 For kids: When someone doesn't have a job anymore because the company doesn't need them.
More Examples
The technology made several administrative roles redundant.
The old system was considered redundant once the new one was implemented.
How It's Used
"The employees were made redundant due to company restructuring."
"After the merger, many positions were deemed redundant."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin redundans, present participle of redundare ('to overflow, be excessive'), from re- ('again') + undare ('to surge, flow').
The word 'redundant' has been used since the 16th century and originally meant 'overflowing' or 'exceeding'. Its business-related meaning arose in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a "red undant" (redundant) piece of information that's already been said.
Word Origin
"to overflow"