excess
EHK-sehs
Excess (noun) means an amount beyond what is normal, necessary, or allowed. Example: “Eating chocolate to excess will probably leave you feeling a bit unwell.”
noun
1
An amount beyond what is normal, necessary, or allowed.
"Eating chocolate to excess will probably leave you feeling a bit unwell."
"Luggage in excess of the weight limit will cost you extra."
"Any excess of the deposit will be refunded."
2
Overindulgence, especially in eating or drinking.
"After years of excess, the doctor told him to eat and drink less."
"The film shows the excess and waste of a wealthy household."
"The party was one long night of excess."
adjective
1
More than what is normal or allowed.
"Please put any excess luggage in the storage room."
"The shop sells off its excess stock at the end of each season."
"You'll be charged for excess baggage over 20kg."
How to use excess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishToo much of something, or the amount left over past a limit.
Common pairings
in excess of
to excess
excess baggage
excess weight
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Word forms
- Plural
- excesses
- Third person singular
- excesses
- Past tense
- excessed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Eating chocolate to _____ will probably leave you feeling a bit unwell.
Etymology
From Old French exces, from Latin excessus, "a going beyond," from excedere (see "exceed").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “excess” mean?
The word “excess” means an amount beyond what is normal, necessary, or allowed. In plain terms, too much of something, or the amount left over past a limit.
How do you pronounce “excess”?
“Excess” is pronounced EHK-sehs (/ˈɛksɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “excess” in a sentence?
Here is “excess” used in a sentence: “Any excess of the deposit will be refunded.”
What is another word for “excess”?
Words with a similar meaning to “excess” include abundance, acrasia, acrasy, excessiveness, exuberance and copiousness.
What is the opposite of “excess”?
The opposite of “excess” — its antonyms — are lack and deficiency.
What part of speech is “excess”?
Depending on how it is used, “excess” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “excess” come from?
The word “excess” comes from Latin. From Old French exces, from Latin excessus, "a going beyond," from excedere (see "exceed").
Is “excess” a common word?
“Excess” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "excess" and "surplus"?
A surplus is an extra amount left over, often neutral or even beneficial, such as a budget surplus. "Excess" carries a stronger sense of being more than is needed, allowed, or good for you, and can imply waste or overindulgence.
What is the difference between "excess" and "access"?
These are commonly confused because they sound alike. "Excess" means an amount beyond what is normal or necessary, while "access" means the means or right to enter or use something. They are unrelated in meaning.
When does "excess" mean overindulgence?
Beyond meaning a surplus amount, "excess" can mean overindulgence, especially in eating or drinking. Phrases like "a life of excess" or "drinking to excess" use this sense to suggest a lack of restraint.
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