noun

surplus

/ˈsɜːrpləs/ · say it: SER·plus

the amount by which income exceeds spending

In Banking & Finance

In more detail

1. (noun) an amount of something that is more than needed or used

2. (noun) a situation where a business has more income than expenses

3. (adjective) extra or more than is needed

Examples

The government has a budget surplus this year.
We have a surplus of apples after the harvest.
The surplus equipment was donated to schools.

How to use surplus

Surplus refers to an amount that exceeds what is needed, necessary, or used, and is commonly used in financial and business contexts. It carries a neutral or slightly positive tone, suggesting something extra that could be redirected or distributed. Unlike excess (which can imply wastefulness), surplus often implies potential value or reusability.

Common phrases

budget surplus
trade surplus
surplus stock
surplus to requirements
declare a surplus

Synonyms

excess · overabundance · glut · remainder · overage

Opposites

deficit · shortage · lack

Word family

surpluses (plural noun) · surplusage (noun) · surplus (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse surplus with surplus-to-requirements, treating them as synonymous; the latter specifically means 'not needed for current operations,' while surplus can simply mean 'more than needed' without judgment about utility.

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