noun

superfluity

soo-per-FLOO-ih-tee/ˌsuːpərˈfluːəti/

An amount beyond what is needed.

The extra flowers form a superfluity beside the already full vase.

A small vase holds a complete, neatly arranged bouquet, while an unnecessarily large surplus of cut flowers lies beside it, with no room or need for more.

Etymology

superLatinover

+fluLatinto flow

+ityLatinstate or quality

“Over” and “flow” give the image of overflowing. What runs over exceeds what is needed, so superfluity names an unnecessary surplus rather than merely a large amount.

In context

misesmedia9:17

They have a relative superfluity of money and a relative shortage of other economic goods. The immediate consequence is that the marginal utility to them of the monetary unit diminishes.

Misesian Insights for Modern Macroeconomics | J. Huston McCulloch

More examples

The report buries its findings under a superfluity of detail.
The small kitchen has a superfluity of gadgets.
Our budget covers basic needs but leaves no room for superfluities.

Forms

superfluity · superfluities

superfluous adjective — More than is needed or useful.

Similar words

excess: Names an amount beyond a need, limit, or standard.
surplus: Often describes extra supplies that remain available for use.