surplus
Surplus (noun) means an amount left over after what is needed has been used; an excess. Example: “The farm had a grain surplus after the harvest.”
How to use surplus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExtra amount left over beyond what's needed.
The opposite is a "deficit" (a shortfall), not a "loss".
Word forms
surplussed past tense, surplused past tense, surpluses plural, surplusses plural, surpluses singular, surplusses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The farm had a grain _____ after the harvest.
Etymology
From Middle French surplus, from sur- ("over") + plus ("more").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “surplus” mean?
The word “surplus” means an amount left over after what is needed has been used; an excess. In plain terms, extra amount left over beyond what's needed.
How do you pronounce “surplus”?
“Surplus” is pronounced SURP-luhs (/ˈsɝˌplʌs/ in IPA).
How do you use “surplus” in a sentence?
Here is “surplus” used in a sentence: “The farm had a grain surplus after the harvest.”
What part of speech is “surplus”?
Depending on how it is used, “surplus” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “surplus” come from?
The word “surplus” comes from Middle French. From Middle French surplus, from sur- ("over") + plus ("more").
Is “surplus” a common word?
“Surplus” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “surplus” have?
“Surplus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an amount left over after what is needed has been used; an excess.
What is the difference between a "surplus" and a "deficit"?
A "surplus" is the amount left over when supply or income exceeds what is needed, while a "deficit" is a shortfall where needs exceed what is available. In budgets, a surplus means more money came in than went out, and a deficit means the opposite.
What is the difference between "surplus" and "excess"?
Both mean more than is needed, but "surplus" often carries a neutral or useful sense of a leftover, as in a trade surplus or surplus stock. "Excess" more often suggests an unwanted or harmful overabundance, as in excess weight or drinking to excess.
What nouns commonly go with "surplus"?
"Surplus" frequently pairs with budget, trade, food, and stock, as in "budget surplus" and "surplus stock." As an adjective it often precedes goods, equipment, or cash to mean more than is required.
Is "surplus" a formal word?
"Surplus" is fairly formal and is common in economics, government, and business writing, as in a trade surplus or surplus funds. In everyday speech, people more often say "extra" or "left over."