redundant
rih-DUHN-duhnt
Redundant (adjective) means No longer needed; superfluous. Example: “Once the new software launched, the manual data entry process became redundant.”
adjective
1
No longer needed; superfluous.
"Once the new software launched, the manual data entry process became redundant."
"Now that everyone has a smartphone, the old pager is completely redundant."
"Several of the spare parts in the box were redundant and could be thrown away."
2
Dismissed from a job because the position is no longer needed.
"Hundreds of workers were made redundant when the plant closed."
"My brother was made redundant last spring and has been looking for new work since."
"If the firm merges with a rival, many staff could be made redundant."
3
Needlessly repetitive in wording.
"Saying "free gift" is redundant, since a gift is already free."
"The editor crossed out the second sentence because it was redundant."
"Writing "return back" is redundant, since "return" already means to go back."
How to use redundant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnnecessary — whether it's a job that's been cut, or wording that repeats itself.
UK vs US
In British English, "made redundant" specifically means laid off from a job; this usage is less common in American English.
Common pairings
made redundant
redundant wording
redundant system
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more redundant
- Superlative
- most redundant
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Once the new software launched, the manual data entry process became _____.
Etymology
From Latin redundans, \"overflowing,\" from red- (\"back, again\") plus undare (\"to surge like a wave\").
Synonyms
View more →
laid off
out of work
unemployed
tautological
pleonastic
superseded
acervatim
adscititious
dropsical
duplicate
excessive
exorbitant
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for redundant
See all rhymes for redundant →Frequently asked questions
What does “redundant” mean?
The word “redundant” means no longer needed; superfluous. In plain terms, unnecessary — whether it's a job that's been cut, or wording that repeats itself.
How do you pronounce “redundant”?
“Redundant” is pronounced rih-DUHN-duhnt (/ɹɪˈdʌn.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “redundant” in a sentence?
Here is “redundant” used in a sentence: “Once the new software launched, the manual data entry process became redundant.”
What is another word for “redundant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “redundant” include acervatim, adscititious, dropsical, duplicate, excessive and exorbitant.
What is the opposite of “redundant”?
The opposite of “redundant” — its antonyms — are non-redundant, inadequate, lacking and needed.
What part of speech is “redundant”?
“Redundant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “redundant” come from?
The word “redundant” comes from Latin. From Latin redundans, \"overflowing,\" from red- (\"back, again\") plus undare (\"to surge like a wave\").
Is “redundant” a common word?
“Redundant” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between redundant and superfluous?
Both words describe something no longer needed, but redundant often implies duplication or that something has been made unnecessary by something else, such as an outdated system. Superfluous simply means excessive or more than required, without necessarily implying duplication.
What does it mean to be "made redundant" from a job?
Being "made redundant" means being dismissed from a job because the position itself is no longer needed, typically due to restructuring or reduced workload, rather than poor performance. This is a common use of redundant relating to employment.
What is a "redundant" phrase in writing?
A redundant phrase in writing repeats an idea unnecessarily, such as "free gift" or "past history," where one word already implies the other's meaning. Editors typically flag redundant wording to make writing more concise.
