surcharge
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an extra amount of money added to the basic price of something.
n.an additional charge, tax, or cost added to the standard price of a good or service.
Simple“The airline added a fuel surcharge to the price of the ticket.”
In context“Many restaurants now include a service surcharge for large groups to ensure staff are compensated fairly for the additional labour.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'on' or 'for'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a new price printed over the original value on a postage stamp.
n.an overprint on a postage stamp that alters its face value, frequently employed during periods of rapid inflation.
Simple“Collectors look for rare stamps where the surcharge was printed upside down.”
In context“During the hyperinflation of the 1920s, the postal service issued a surcharge on existing stock rather than printing new denominations.”
Synonymsoverprint - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a fine or penalty for not doing a professional duty correctly.
n.a penalty imposed by a court on a fiduciary for failing to exercise proper care or skill in their duties.
Simple“The trustee faced a heavy surcharge for losing the client's money.”
In context“The court ordered a surcharge against the executor after finding evidence of gross negligence in the management of the estate's assets.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to charge someone an extra amount of money.
v.to impose an additional fee or tax on a transaction or account.
Simple“The hotel will surcharge you if you use the mini-bar in your room.”
In context“The credit card company decided to surcharge all international transactions to cover the rising costs of currency exchange.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to put too much weight or work on something.
v.to overburden or overload a person, animal, or system.
Simple“The old bridge was surcharged with the weight of the heavy trucks.”
In context“The poet described a heart surcharged with grief, unable to bear the weight of such profound loss.”
“In July, the US imposed a surcharge of 25 percent on some Brazilian imports, including sugar, clothing, paper and steel, alleging unfair trade practices.”
“She was issued with a £140 fine, and ordered to pay £252 (once surcharge and court costs were added) at a rate of £20 reduction a month from benefits.”
From Middle French surcharge, from Old French. By surface analysis, sur- + charge. Doublet of supercharge.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.