C1noun5K

Excess

UK /["/ɪkˈses/"]/US /["/ɪkˈses/"]/

Definition

more than is necessary, reasonable or acceptable

In simple words: More than what is needed or allowed.

Examples

  • The company was fined for producing an excess of waste beyond legal limits.
  • She drank in excess, which affected her health negatively.
  • There was an excess of enthusiasm among the team members after the victory.
  • The store charged an extra fee for any excess baggage during the flight.
  • If you eat an excess of sugar, it may lead to health problems.
  • The excess inventory was sold at a discounted price to clear storage space.
  • After budgeting carefully, there was no excess left for luxuries.

Usage notes

Use 'excess' in both written and spoken contexts when discussing amounts. It's appropriate for formal discussions about health, finance, or resources but may sound overly technical in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

excess + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'excess' as having 'extra' — like having too much cake at a party.

Collocations

  • rhetorical
  • stylistic
  • verbal
  • avoid
  • contain
  • curb
  • in excess
  • to excess
  • large
  • slight
  • in excess of
  • excess of

Synonyms

  • surplus
  • overabundance
  • plethora
  • glut
  • overflow

Antonyms

  • deficiency
  • lack
  • insufficiency

Common mistakes

  • Using 'excess' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Confusing 'excess' with 'exceed' which has a different meaning.
  • Using 'excess' without specifying what it refers to.