ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surplus

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈsɝpɫəs// UK //sˈɜːpləs// sur·plus

n. an amount of something that is more than what you need. It often describes extra money or goods left over after all requirements are met.

n. an amount or quantity in excess of what is needed or used. In financial contexts, it specifically refers to the positive balance remaining after expenditures are subtracted from income.


SIMPLE

The country has a large trade surplus this year.

CONTEXTUAL

After the harvest, the farmers sold their surplus grain to neighboring villages to increase their income.

COMPLEX

The government's decision to reinvest the budget surplus into public infrastructure was met with widespread approval from both economists and the general public.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English surplus, from Middle French surplus. Compare French surplus.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing a specific resource, such as a 'surplus of labor' or a 'surplus of food'.

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