excess

ex-cess · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An amount that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.

  2. 2.

    The amount by which one quantity exceeds another.

  3. 3.

    Lack of moderation; overindulgence.

  4. 4.

    More than is necessary or normal; extra.

Forms

plural: excesses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in excess of — more than; exceeding
  • •
    to excess — to an extreme degree
  • •
    excess baggage — luggage over the weight limit; also figuratively, unnecessary burden
  • •
    drink to excess — to drink too much alcohol

Related words

Antonyms: deficiency, lack, scarcity, shortage
See also: abundance, exceed, excessive, surplus
Synonyms: glut, overabundance, overflow, superfluity, surplus

Etymology

From Latin "excessus" (departure, going beyond), from "excedere" (to go beyond), from "ex-" (out) + "cedere" (to go). Entered English in the 14th century through Old French "exces."