Surplus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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surplus
[ˈsɜːpləs ]
Definitions
economic
An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply over demand.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| surplus |
When there is more of something than what is needed or used, often in economic or business contexts.
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| excess |
Usually describes something that is more than what is usual, necessary, or proper, and often has a negative connotation.
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| extra |
Refers to an additional amount of something beyond what is expected or required, often in everyday situations.
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| surfeit |
Describes an excessive amount of something, typically used in a more formal or literary context and often implies a negative effect.
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Examples of usage
- The surplus of wheat caused prices to drop significantly.
- The company had to sell off its surplus inventory at a discount.
military
Excess of a country's income over its expenditure.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| surplus |
Used to describe an amount that is more than what is needed, often in a formal or business setting.
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| excess |
Often used when referring to an amount that goes beyond what is necessary, sometimes implying waste or overindulgence.
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| extra |
Used to describe something additional or more than what is usual or required. Commonly used in everyday conversations.
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| overage |
Typically used in commercial or billing contexts to describe an amount that exceeds a predetermined limit.
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Examples of usage
- The budget surplus allowed the government to invest more in education and healthcare.
- The surplus in military spending raised concerns about the country's priorities.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- A surplus in trade occurs when a country exports more than it imports, contributing positively to its economy.
- Government budget surpluses happen when revenue exceeds expenditures, allowing for investments in public services.
- Many farmers face price surpluses when they produce more crops than the market can sell, affecting pricing strategies.
Environmental Impact
- Food surpluses can lead to significant waste, highlighting the need for better distribution methods to feed those in need.
- Excess production in industries may result in environmental degradation due to overuse of resources.
- Surplus resources in nature can support biodiversity by providing habitats and food sources for various species.
Psychology
- Research shows that people can experience decision fatigue with too many surplus options, leading to anxiety.
- Having surplus resources can improve psychological well-being by reducing stress related to scarcity.
- Surplus environments in childhood, such as toys or activities, can foster creativity but may also lead to overwhelm.
Pop Culture
- In many shows and films, characters exploit surplus situations humorously, like hoarding resources during a crisis.
- The idea of a surplus regularly appears in stories highlighting themes of greed versus generosity.
- Various video games reward players by giving them surplus items or points, encouraging exploration and resource management.
Origin of 'surplus'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'superplus', meaning 'more than enough'.
- It was first used in English in the 15th century, originally referring to excess in commodities.
- In finance, 'surplus' might describe what is left after expenses are paid, linking it to economic efficiency.
The word 'surplus' originated from the Latin word 'superplus', which means 'left over'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. The concept of surplus has been relevant in various fields such as economics, military, and agriculture. Surplus can indicate an excess or abundance of something beyond what is needed or expected.