surplus value

noun

: the difference in Marxist theory between the value of work done or of commodities produced by labor and the usually subsistence wages paid by the employer

Examples of surplus value in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But as the game progressed and other players either dropped out or fell behind in the purchase of properties, surplus value would rise in $50 increments, reflecting a shrinking number of competitors for labor. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 9 Oct. 2023 Today, Massey said, surplus value probably matches the pick around the middle of the first round. Mike Bass, The Enquirer, 27 Apr. 2023 In a vacuum, Rodgers doesn't offer substantial surplus value over his contract because he's already paid at the peak of the quarterback market. Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2023 With his surplus value waning from stupendous heights — his performance far exceed his paltry fifth-round salary and even a second contract — the Chiefs sold high on Hill when Miami agreed to reset the wide receiver market by guaranteeing him $72.2 million. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Oct. 2022 Extraordinary surplus value was achieved by both as according to the Associated Press, the average major league salary on Opening Day in 2021 was $4.17 million. Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 20 June 2022 That same surplus value disappears at other positions. Andrew Beaton, WSJ, 28 Apr. 2022 Marx’s theory of surplus value derives from the labor theory of value as articulated by David Ricardo and Adam Smith. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 21 July 2021 The amateur draft and the international market have incredible surplus value. Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surplus value.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surplus value was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near surplus value

Cite this Entry

“Surplus value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surplus%20value. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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