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REFERENCE

excess

n. · adj.
US //ˈɛkˌsɛs// ex·cess
  1. 1 too much of something (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an amount of something that is more than what is needed or allowed.

    the state of surpassing a limit or being more than what is sufficient or necessary.

    Example

    The body stores any excess energy from food as fat.

    Example

    The report suggested that an excess of administrative staff was draining the department's budget, leaving little for actual research.
  2. 2 the extra amount (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    the specific amount by which one thing is greater than another.

    the degree or numerical amount by which one quantity exceeds another.

    Example

    If you pay more than the bill, the excess will be returned to you.

    Example

    The calculation must account for the excess of the actual temperature over the predicted seasonal average.
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  1. 3 unhealthy behavior (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the habit of eating, drinking, or spending too much.

    immoderate indulgence in eating, drinking, or other physical pleasures.

    Example

    After years of excess, he decided to live a much simpler and healthier life.

    Example

    The novel depicts the wild excesses of the upper class during the roaring twenties, focusing on their nightly parties and reckless spending.
  2. 4 insurance payment (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    the part of an insurance claim that you have to pay yourself.

    the specific portion of an insurance claim that the policyholder is responsible for paying. In American English, this is called a 'deductible'.

    Example

    I had to pay a two-hundred-pound excess when I crashed my car.

    Example

    The policyholder opted for a higher voluntary excess in order to reduce the cost of their annual premium.
  3. 5 extra or surplus (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    more than what is normal, necessary, or allowed.

    exceeding a prescribed or desirable amount; surplus to requirements.

    Example

    You will have to pay a fee for your excess baggage at the airport.

    Example

    The factory was forced to sell off its excess inventory at a significant discount to clear space for the new spring collection.
Origin

From Middle English exces (“excess, ecstasy”), from Old French exces, from Latin excessus (“a going out, loss of self-possession”), from excedere, excessum (“to go out, go beyond”). See exceed.

Idioms1 entry

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