# denormalization

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/denormalization
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

the process of adding repeated data back into a database to make it run faster. While it makes the database larger, it helps the computer find information more quickly because it doesn't have to look in as many places.

For teachers: the strategy of intentionally introducing redundancy into a previously normalized database schema to improve read performance. Often involves combining tables or adding redundant columns to reduce the computational cost of complex join operations.

## Examples

- The team used denormalization to speed up the website's search results.
- After noticing that the reporting dashboard was taking several seconds to load, the database administrator decided that some denormalization was necessary for the sales tables.
- While normalization minimizes data anomalies by reducing redundancy, strategic denormalization is frequently employed in high-scale distributed systems where read latency is a more critical constraint than storage efficiency.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of database administration and software engineering.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.