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surplus

SUR-pluhs /ˈsɜːrpləs/

nounadjectiveB2GREIELTSTOEFLGMAT

formalbusinessacademic

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

Unlike 'extra,' surplus often implies a systemic or economic imbalance, such as a harvest that exceeds what the market can buy.

The story behind the word. From the Old French 'sourplus,' combining 'sur' (above/over) and 'plus' (more). It literally describes something that sits 'above and beyond' what is needed.

Word relationships

excess: Excess can refer to any amount over a limit, while surplus is specifically about supply exceeding demand.
glut: A glut is an oversupply so large it 'chokes' the market; surplus is more neutral.

deficit: A deficit is a shortage, specifically when spending exceeds income or needs exceed supply.
scarcity: Scarcity implies a fundamental lack of resources, the opposite of a surplus.

Commonly confused with

superfluous: Surplus is a quantity (noun/adj); superfluous is an adjective meaning unnecessary or redundant in nature.

Word family

surpluses (noun): Plural form of surplus.

Collocations

surplus food
budget surplus
agricultural surplus
surplus stock

Example sentences

"The law of supply and demand suggests that a surplus of grain will lead to a drop in prices." Economic theory regarding production.
"The surplus value is the difference between the value produced by the laborer and the value of his own labor-power." A classic economic text. (Karl Marx, Capital)

Memory hook

Think of a 'plus' sign that is 'sur-mounted' (on top) of your needs. You have more than enough. Sur-plus: More than the plus you needed.

When not to use

Avoid using 'surplus' for small, personal amounts like a few extra fries; 'extra' or 'spare' is more natural there.

Fun facts

In the 1950s, the US government had such a massive surplus of cheese that they began distributing 'government cheese' to low-income families.