economics

surplus

An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; in finance, when income exceeds expenditure.

Example

"The government ran a budget surplus of $50 billion after years of austerity."

💡 Memory Tip

SURPLUS = SUPER PLUS — more than you need. The opposite of a deficit.

Etymology

From Latin 'super' (above) + 'plus' (more) — more than enough.

Common Misspellings

surplassurplusssurplusesurplys

Related Terms

deficitprofitbudgetfiscal policy

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