surplus
extra amount beyond what is needed
An extra amount of something that is not needed because you already have enough.
a surplus of [something]
- The company reported a surplus of $2 million at the end of the year.
- After everyone had eaten, there was still a huge surplus of food on the table.
- We have a surplus of volunteers for this event, so some people may not be needed.
- The project finished under budget, leaving a small cash surplus.
- Farmers faced a surplus of grain after an unusually good harvest.
- We had a surplus of food after the party.
- This month the shop made a surplus of money.
- There is a surplus of workers in this town.
- The farm has a surplus of eggs in the summer.
- The school sold the surplus books at a low price.
extra government or budget money
Money left over when a government, company, or person gets more money than they spend in a certain time.
a budget surplus of [amount]
- The government announced a budget surplus for the first time in ten years.
- Thanks to higher tax revenues, the city ended the year with a small surplus.
- The charity aims to spend any surplus on community projects.
- If the company continues to cut costs, it could generate a significant surplus next quarter.
- Voters were pleased to hear that the state had turned its deficit into a surplus.
- Our country has a budget surplus this year.
- The city used its surplus to fix the roads.
- Because of good sales, the company made a surplus.
- The school spent the surplus on new computers.
- Last year there was a deficit, but this year there is a surplus.
more exports than imports
When a country sells more goods and services to other countries than it buys from them, measured in money.
a trade surplus of [amount]
- China recorded a large trade surplus with the United States last year.
- The country relies on its trade surplus to support the value of its currency.
- A growing trade surplus can lead to political tensions with trading partners.
- After years of deficits, the nation finally achieved a modest trade surplus.
- The report shows a widening trade surplus driven by strong car exports.
- The country has a big trade surplus with its neighbors.
- Germany often has a trade surplus because it exports many cars.
- A trade surplus means exports are higher than imports.
- Last year the trade deficit changed into a trade surplus.
- The government is happy about the new trade surplus.
extra; more than needed
Extra and not needed, because there is already enough.
surplus [noun]
- The warehouse is full of surplus stock from last season.
- We need to cut surplus staff to reduce costs.
- Any surplus funds will be invested in new equipment.
- The company sold its surplus vehicles at auction.
- The charity collects surplus food from supermarkets and gives it to people in need.
- The store is selling surplus clothes very cheaply.
- We have surplus chairs, so you can take one home.
- The company has surplus cash this year.
- The army sold its surplus equipment.
- They gave the surplus food to a local shelter.
unneeded goods or equipment
Things, like goods or equipment, that an organization does not need anymore and usually sells or gives away.
surplus [goods/equipment/items]
- The government auctioned off surplus military vehicles.
- A new store opened downtown selling army surplus clothing.
- The company donates its surplus computers to local schools.
- They bought surplus office furniture at a discount.
- The charity relies on surplus goods from supermarkets.
- The army sold its surplus uniforms.
- We bought cheap chairs from a surplus store.
- The school got surplus computers from a big company.
- The shop sells surplus food that supermarkets do not want.
- He works at a store that sells army surplus.
budget surplus
1more income than spending in budget
A situation where a government or organization gets more money than it spends in a planned period.
- The finance minister was proud to announce a budget surplus for the second year in a row.
- The city used its budget surplus to improve public transport.
- After years of cuts, the small budget surplus came as a surprise.
run a surplus
1have more income than spending
To have more money coming in than going out over a period of time, especially in a budget.
- The government aims to run a surplus within five years.
- Most non‑profit organizations try not to run a large surplus.
- If we cut unnecessary costs, we might run a surplus next quarter.
surplus to requirements
1no longer needed or wanted
Not needed because there are too many people or things for the job or purpose.
- After the reorganization, several managers were declared surplus to requirements.
- The old printers are now surplus to requirements and will be sold off.
- He suddenly found himself surplus to requirements after the new software was introduced.
trade surplus
1exports greater than imports
A situation where a country sells more goods and services to other countries than it buys from them.
- The country’s large trade surplus has become a source of tension with its trading partners.
- Rising car exports helped the nation maintain a healthy trade surplus.
- Economists expect the trade surplus to shrink as imports grow.