C1noun 3K

Surplus

UK //ˈsɜːpləs// US //ˈsɜːrpləs// Pronunciation

Definition

An amount of something left over when requirements have been met.

Listen to definition

In simple words: An amount that is more than necessary.

Examples

• The country had a budget surplus this year.
• They decided to invest their surplus in new technology.
• Many farmers faced a surplus of crops that went unsold.
• The surplus in their account allowed them to save for emergencies.
• He felt a sense of surplus joy after achieving his goals.

Usage notes

Use 'surplus' in contexts related to economics or quantities. It's appropriate in both formal and informal discussions but may be avoided in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

surplus + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sur-plus' as a plus sign (+) indicating more than needed.

Collocations

• budget surplus
• food surplus
• surplus inventory

Synonyms

• excess
• overflow
• surfeit
• remainder
• overabundance

Antonyms

• deficit
• lack
• shortage

Common mistakes

• Used 'surplus' as a verb instead of a noun.
• Confused 'surplus' with 'deficit'.
• Incorrectly pluralized 'surplus'.