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redundancy

rih-DUN-dun-see /rɪˈdʌn.dən.si/

nounC1GREGMAT

TechnicalEngineering

The inclusion of extra components which are not strictly necessary to functioning, in case of failure of other components.

In daily life, redundancy is often seen as 'wasteful repetition,' but in engineering, it is a critical safety feature.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'redundare,' meaning 'to overflow' (literally 'to wave back'). It originally described water that was so plentiful it overflowed its banks.

Word relationships

duplication: Duplication is just making a copy; redundancy is a strategic backup system.
surplus: Surplus is just 'extra' that might be unwanted; redundancy is 'extra' that is there for a reason.

conciseness: Conciseness is the removal of all unnecessary parts, the opposite of redundancy.

Commonly confused with

efficiency: Efficiency seeks to remove the 'extra'; redundancy intentionally adds it for safety.

Word family

redundant (adjective): No longer needed or useful; superfluous.

Collocations

system redundancy
built-in redundancy
data redundancy
redundancy plan

Example sentences

"Redundancy can be a source of safety, but it also adds complexity and can sometimes lead to unexpected failures." Discussing the risks of complex systems.
"The plane's hydraulic system has triple redundancy, meaning there are two backups if the primary one fails." Aircraft safety features.

Memory hook

Think of 'redone'—doing it again so you have a backup. Backup for the backup.

When not to use

Avoid using it in British English to mean 'job loss' (layoff) when you are specifically talking about technical systems.

Fun facts

The human body has natural redundancy; for example, you have two kidneys and two lungs even though you can survive with one of each.