What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overstock
Example
The store had to discount their overstocked items to make room for new inventory. [overstocked: adjective]
Example
The company's overstocking of products led to a loss in profits. [overstocking: gerund]
surplus
Example
The surplus of food was donated to the local food bank. [surplus: noun]
Example
The government had to sell its surplus military equipment to other countries. [surplus: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overstock is more commonly used in a business context, while surplus is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overstock and surplus?
Surplus is generally considered more formal than overstock, making it more appropriate for use in formal writing or speech.
