Redundant: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe something that is no longer needed, typically because its function is already performed by another item or factor. It underscores that something is superfluous or duplicate.

• The backup generator became redundant once the primary generator was repaired.
• The introduction of new policies made some of the old guidelines redundant.

Utilized to describe something that is not needed or required, often suggesting that it can be omitted without any negative consequences.

• The meeting was deemed unnecessary and was therefore cancelled.
• Adding extra salt to the recipe is unnecessary.

Appropriate when describing something that is too much or more than what is considered reasonable or necessary. It often has a negative connotation, implying waste or overindulgence.

• The amount of homework assigned this weekend was excessive.
• His excessive spending on luxury items put him in debt.

Used when referring to an amount of something that is more than what is needed or used. Generally appears in economic or resource-related discussions.

• The farm produced a surplus of tomatoes this year.
• The company had a budget surplus at the end of the fiscal year.

Used when something is unnecessary because it is repeated or not needed anymore. Often used in technical or formal contexts.

• The engineer removed the redundant code from the software.
• His speech was filled with redundant phrases.

Describes actions or tasks that are repeated frequently, often leading to boredom or frustration.

• The job was so repetitive that it became monotonous.
• She found the repetitive pattern in the music soothing.

Similar to 'verbose', but less formal. Used to describe speech or text that uses more words than needed, often in a casual or everyday context.

• Her wordy explanation made the simple concept seem complicated.
• Try to avoid being too wordy in your emails.

Indicates that something contains more words than necessary, often making it hard to understand. Usually used in a critical way.

• The professor's verbose lecture confused many students.
• His verbose writing style made the report difficult to read.