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.

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Etymology

Origin of surplus value

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

As it grows its assets and gains economies of scale, it shares that surplus value back with its customers—fundholders—in the form of reduced fees instead of keeping those dollars for itself.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

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

He often calls surplus value "unpaid labour," and says, for example, "the capitalist appropriates one half of every day's labour without payment."

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