Words / B2

ik-SES/ɪkˈses/

Excess is more than is needed or allowed (often uncountable): in excess of; excess baggage; an excess of. Excess as an adjective: excess water. Access is a different word (entry). Surplus is close in economics. Luggage in excess of 23 kg. Do not mix with exceed (the verb, already in the dictionary).

Meaning

More than is needed, allowed, or healthy.

Examples

• “Luggage in excess of 23 kg is charged at the desk.”
• “An excess of salt in the canteen meals was flagged, which is the “too much” sense.”

Good to know

in excess of + number; excess baggage / weight. Verb: exceed. Trap: access. Adjective: excess + noun. Health: excess deaths. Formal and travel English.

Near in meaning

surplus

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