Definitions and Examples of surplus, excess, abundance
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess.
Example
The store had a surplus of goods after the holiday season.
An amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.
Example
The doctor warned him about the dangers of consuming an excess of sugar.
A very large quantity of something.
Example
The garden was filled with an abundance of colorful flowers.
Key Differences: surplus vs excess vs abundance
- 1Surplus refers to an amount of something left over when requirements have been met.
- 2Excess refers to an amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.
- 3Abundance refers to a very large quantity of something.
Effective Usage of surplus, excess, abundance
- 1Economics: Use surplus to describe an excess of supply over demand.
- 2Health: Use excess to describe an overconsumption of food, alcohol, or drugs.
- 3Nature: Use abundance to describe a plentiful supply of natural resources or wildlife.
Remember this!
The antonyms of shortfall are surplus, excess, and abundance. Use surplus to describe an excess of supply over demand, excess to describe an overconsumption of food, alcohol, or drugs, and abundance to describe a plentiful supply of natural resources or wildlife.