surplus value

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surplus value¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

"These societies were characterized by generating considerable material wealth and at the same time limiting the possibility of exploitation of the labor force and, consequently, the production of surplus value, contrary to what happened later with the Argar society," explains Roberto Risch.

From Science Daily

It’s a guaranteed loss of surplus value.

From Washington Post

The best definition that I’ve come across comes from anthropologist Hadas Weiss’s work on the middle class, where she suggests that we might understand capitalism as a form of unplanned surplus value accumulation.

From Washington Post

The amateur draft and the international market have incredible surplus value.

From Los Angeles Times