excess

American  

[ik-ses, ek-ses, ek-ses, ik-ses] / ɪkˈsɛs, ˈɛk sɛs, ˈɛk sɛs, ɪkˈsɛs /

noun

1. the fact of exceeding exceeding something else in amount or degree.

   His strength is in excess of yours.

2. the amount or degree by which one thing exceeds another.

   The bill showed an excess of several hundred dollars over the estimate.

3. an extreme or excessive amount or degree; superabundance.

   to have an excess of energy.

   Synonyms:

   surplus

   Antonyms:

   deficiency, lack

4. a going beyond what is regarded as customary or proper.

   to talk to excess.

5. immoderate indulgence; intemperance in eating, drinking, etc.

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adjective

1. more than or above what is necessary, usual, or specified; extra.

   a charge for excess baggage; excess profits.

verb (used with object)

1. to dismiss, demote, transfer, or furlough (an employee), especially as part of a mass layoff.

excess British  

noun

1. the state or act of going beyond normal, sufficient, or permitted limits

2. an immoderate or abnormal amount, number, extent, or degree too much or too many

   an excess of tolerance

3. the amount, number, extent, or degree by which one thing exceeds another

4. chem a quantity of a reagent that is greater than the quantity required to complete a reaction

   add an excess of acid

5. overindulgence or intemperance

6. insurance a specified contribution towards the cost of a claim, stipulated on certain insurance policies as being payable by the policyholder

7. of more than; over

8. to an inordinate extent; immoderately

   he drinks to excess

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adjective

1. more than normal, necessary, or permitted; surplus

   excess weight

2. payable as a result of previous underpayment

   excess postage

   an excess fare for a railway journey

excess Idioms  

1. see carry too far (to excess); in excess of.

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Etymology

Origin of excess

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (noun and adjective), from Latin excessus “departure, digression,” noun use of past participle of excēdere “to go out”; exceed

Example Sentences

It’s not unheard of for a newly spun-off media company to experience a selloff at the start as some investors seek to rebalance their portfolios to reduce excess exposure to two similarly constituted businesses.

From MarketWatch

That was a clear sign the club viewed the future as being something different to 3-4-3, given they had already spent in excess of £200m on attacking players.

From BBC

In economic terms, that shows up as excess inflation.

From MarketWatch

In the meantime, Venezuela’s output only amounts to around 1% of global production in a market that already is awash with excess crude.

From Barron's

At the same time, excess fibrous tissue accumulated within the heart, making the muscle stiffer and less able to pump blood efficiently.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• exuberance
• glut
• overkill
• surplus
• waste