surplus value

American  

noun

1. (in Marxian economics) the part of the value of a commodity that exceeds the cost of labor, regarded as the profit of the capitalist.

---

Etymology

Origin of surplus value

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

There was just one problem with Minnesota’s plan: the potential surplus value offered by McCarthy’s contract has been rendered obsolete by the fact he has been completely terrible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

With the rookie wage scale slotting salaries by pick regardless of position, it is more difficult for teams to generate surplus value by taking a tight end.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

Marx proposed the concept of surplus value as a contradictory force within capitalism.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

It is difficult for any non-quarterback, even a star such as Beckham, to provide surplus value — a contribution greater than his salary cap hit would project.

From Washington Post • Aug. 21, 2019

We assumed that the surplus value amounted to 100 per cent. measured with variable capital, and that £10,000 expended on wages produced £20,000.

From The life and teaching of Karl Marx by Beer, M.