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noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

redundancy

rih-DUHNDN-see

Redundancy (noun) means the state of a job or worker no longer being needed, or the dismissal that results. Example: “She was offered a redundancy package after the factory closed.”

noun
1
The state of a job or worker no longer being needed, or the dismissal that results.
"She was offered a redundancy package after the factory closed."
2
Unnecessary repetition, or a duplicated part included for backup.
"The report was full of redundancy, repeating the same points in every section."
"The server has built-in redundancy in case one unit fails."

How to use redundancy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither being laid off from a job, or having something repeated/duplicated unnecessarily (or, in engineering, as a safety backup).

UK vs US

"Redundancy" for job loss is the standard British term; American English typically says "layoff" instead.

Common pairings
made redundant compulsory redundancy system redundancy

Word forms

redundancies plural

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Test yourself on “redundancy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was offered a _____ package after the factory closed.

Etymology

From redundant plus the suffix -cy.

Antonyms

non-redundancy employment hiring

Related words

Rhymes for redundancy

See all rhymes for redundancy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “redundancy” mean?

The word “redundancy” means the state of a job or worker no longer being needed, or the dismissal that results. In plain terms, either being laid off from a job, or having something repeated/duplicated unnecessarily (or, in engineering, as a safety backup).

How do you pronounce “redundancy”?

“Redundancy” is pronounced rih-DUHNDN-see (/ɹɪˈdʌndən(t)si/ in IPA).

How do you use “redundancy” in a sentence?

Here is “redundancy” used in a sentence: “She was offered a redundancy package after the factory closed.”

What is another word for “redundancy”?

Words with a similar meaning to “redundancy” include backup and retirement.

What is the opposite of “redundancy”?

The opposite of “redundancy” — its antonyms — are non-redundancy, employment and hiring.

What part of speech is “redundancy”?

“Redundancy” is a noun.

Is “redundancy” a common word?

“Redundancy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “redundancy” have?

“Redundancy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of a job or worker no longer being needed, or the dismissal that results.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial