Formal and Informal Expressions of surplus

In different contexts, you can replace 'surplus' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'excess, oversupply' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'extra, leftovers' is a commonplace synonym.

surplus: Explore its Definition & Usage

surplus Definition

an amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply over demand.

Using surplus: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "surplus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The surplus of food was donated to the homeless shelter.
Example
The company has a surplus of inventory.
Example
The budget surplus allowed for increased spending on education.
Example
The surplus of workers led to layoffs.

surplus Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for surplus

Antonyms for surplus

Idioms Using surplus

in surplus
having more than what is needed or required
Example
The company's production is currently in surplus, leading to a decrease in prices.
run a surplus
to have more income than expenses
Example
The government aims to run a budget surplus next year.
surplus to requirements
not needed or necessary
Example
The extra equipment was surplus to requirements and was sold to another company.

Phrases with surplus

trade surplus
a situation in which a country exports more goods than it imports
Example
The trade surplus with China is a major issue in the current political climate.
budget surplus
a situation in which a government's income exceeds its expenditures
Example
The government announced a budget surplus for the first time in years.
surplus value
the difference between the value of a worker's labor and the wages paid to that worker
Example
Marxist theory argues that capitalists exploit workers by extracting surplus value from their labor.

Origins of surplus

from Old French 'sur-' meaning 'over' + 'plus' meaning 'more'

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Summary: surplus in Brief

The term 'surplus' [ˈsɜːpləs] refers to an excess or leftover amount of something after requirements have been met. It can refer to overproduction or oversupply, as in 'The company has a surplus of inventory,' or to budgetary or trade surpluses. Phrases like 'in surplus' and 'surplus to requirements' denote having more than what is needed or required.