Redundant Meaning and Definition
Redundant
Pronunciation
/ˈrɛdʌndənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A person or thing that is unnecessary or serves no useful purpose; something that is repeated or duplicated without being essential or useful.
Examples
- The company’s redundant employees were let go as part of the cost-cutting measures.
- The extra ingredient was redundant in the recipe and was removed to simplify the dish.
Synonyms
- Unnecessary
- Superfluous
- Extraneous
Antonyms
- Necessary
- Essential
- Indispensable
Etymology
The word “redundant” comes from the Latin “redundans,” meaning “overflowing” or “surplus.”
Usage Notes
Avoid using the word “redundant” to describe people; instead, focus on the functionality or purpose of a thing or action.
Cultural References
In the TV show “The Office,” the character Dwight Schrute is referred to as “redundant” by his coworker Jim Halpert.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Idiot Savant – a person of high intellectual ability in one area, but lacking comprehensively (e.g., “He’s an idiot savant when it comes to math, but he can’t even boil water”).
Related Words or Phrases
- Superfluous
- Extraneous
- Useless
- Necessary
Collocations
- Redundant staff
- Redundant system
- Redundant technology
Frequency of Use
The word “redundant” is commonly used in business, education, and technology contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Redundint
- Reduntdant
- Redundnt