Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for adaptive residual gradient compression for training of a deep learning neural network (DNN). The method includes obtaining, by a first learner, a current gradient vector for a neural network layer of the DNN, in which the current gradient vector includes gradient weights of parameters of the neural network layer that are calculated from a mini-batch of training data. A current residue vector is generated that includes residual gradient weights for the mini-batch. A compressed current residue vector is generated based on dividing the residual gradient weights of the current residue vector into a plurality of bins of a uniform size and quantizing a subset of the residual gradient weights of one or more bins of the plurality of bins. The compressed current residue vector is then transmitted to a second learner of the plurality of learners or to a parameter server.