B2verb10K+

Exceed

UK /["/ɪkˈsiːd/","/ɪkˈsiːdz/","/ɪkˈsiːdɪd/","/ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪkˈsiːd/","/ɪkˈsiːdz/","/ɪkˈsiːdɪd/","/ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be greater than a particular number or amount

In simple words: to go beyond a limit or amount

Examples

  • The price will not exceed £100.
  • Summer temperatures rarely exceed 27°C.
  • Their numbers barely exceed 100 in the wild.
  • The House voted by 327 votes to 93, comfortably exceeding the required two-thirds majority.
  • She was exceeding the speed limit *(= driving faster than is allowed)*.
  • The officers had exceeded their authority.
  • His achievements have exceeded expectations.
  • The amount raised has far exceeded our wildest expectations.

Usage notes

Use 'exceed' in formal and neutral contexts, especially when discussing limits, expectations, or measurements. It is appropriate in business or academic settings but may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

exceed + object

Memory hint

Think of 'exceed' as 'exceeding expectations' — imagine someone going above and beyond.

Collocations

  • considerably
  • far
  • greatly
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • be unlikely to

Synonyms

  • surpass
  • overstep
  • transcend
  • outstrip
  • outdo

Antonyms

  • fall short
  • underachieve
  • fail

Common mistakes

  • 'Exceed' is sometimes incorrectly used without an object.
  • Learners may confuse 'exceed' with 'succeed', thinking they mean the same thing.
  • Some may use 'exceeded' in the present tense instead of the correct form.