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redundant

Adjective

IPA /rɪˈdʌndənt/

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Meaning in plain English

No longer needed or useful because the same purpose is already served by something else or circumstances have changed.

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Pronunciation

redundant/rɪˈdʌndənt/

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One strong lock already does the job
A second lock adds no useful protection
The extra lock is no longer needed

Something redundant is unnecessary because its purpose is already served.

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The second lock became redundant after we installed a stronger front door.
The editor removed redundant phrases to make the report clearer.

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The second lock became ________ after we installed a stronger front door.

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redundant — No longer needed or useful because the same purpose is already served by something else or circumstances have changed.

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No longer needed or useful because the same purpose is already served by something else or circumstances have changed.

Compare: The second lock became redundant after we installed a stronger front door.

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Word origin

From Latin redundare, meaning overflow or surge, related to unda, meaning wave.

Did you know?

In British employment contexts, made redundant has a separate meaning: losing a job because the work is no longer needed.

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