surfeit of resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surfeit of resources" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an excessive amount of resources available, often implying that the abundance may lead to waste or inefficiency. Example: "The organization faced a surfeit of resources, which made it difficult to prioritize projects effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His home looks like a sleek corporate headquarters as well, and his lack of clutter is also a sign of power — whatever's needed can be stored (he's got a surfeit of space and of forethought) or can be procured instantly (he's got the surfeit of resources, the staff and the money).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Abundance of Resources.

Science Magazine

6) Recruitment of resources.

Plosone

11.2 Mobilization of Resources.

FAO

Take advantage of resources.

WikiHow

The Middle East has flourished on its surfeit of oil, a rich although single-sourced economy, now at risk as the resources are exhausted, similar supplies are found elsewhere, or alternatives dilute demand.

Huffington Post

But a surfeit of awards may backfire.

The Economist

The surfeit of odors made one giddy.

The New Yorker

Rather than using a resource that's in short supply, is there anything we can deploy that we've actually got a surfeit of?

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is a surfeit of villains.

The New York Times

And New York offered a surfeit of candidates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surfeit of resources", consider the context. It often implies that the abundance might lead to mismanagement or waste, so ensure this nuance aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "surfeit of resources" when you simply mean a sufficient or adequate amount. "Surfeit" implies an excessive quantity, not just a comfortable supply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surfeit of resources" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it describes situations where an overabundance exists, potentially leading to complications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surfeit of resources" describes a situation where there is an excessive amount of available resources, often implying potential challenges due to the abundance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While it's a valid expression, alternatives like "abundance of resources" might be more neutral in tone. Remember that "surfeit" specifically suggests an oversupply, so use it when that nuance is intended. Ludwig examples show the phrase appearing across various contexts, including news and media, but it remains relatively rare overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abundance of resources

Replaces "surfeit" with "abundance", suggesting a plentiful supply but without the potential negative connotation of excess.

excess of resources

Emphasizes the idea that the resources are more than necessary, similar to "surfeit".

glut of resources

Uses "glut" to highlight an oversupply, often implying that the abundance is problematic or undesirable.

plethora of resources

Indicates a large and impressive quantity of resources, suggesting variety and richness.

oversupply of resources

Directly states that the supply of resources is greater than the demand or need.

wealth of resources

Highlights the richness and value of the resources available, suggesting a significant advantage.

profusion of resources

Implies a lavish and unrestrained outpouring of resources.

overabundance of resources

Combines "over" and "abundance" for emphasis, suggesting that the quantity is excessive.

embarrassment of riches

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the abundance of resources creates a problem of choice or management.

cornucopia of resources

Evokes an image of overflowing abundance and prosperity, often with a sense of celebration.

FAQs

How can I use "surfeit of resources" in a sentence?

You can use "surfeit of resources" to describe a situation where there is an excessive amount of available resources, as in "The project failed not from a lack of funds, but from a "surfeit of resources", which led to inefficient spending".

What does "surfeit of resources" imply beyond just abundance?

"Surfeit of resources" suggests that the abundance is so great that it could potentially lead to negative consequences like waste, mismanagement, or complacency.

Are there more neutral alternatives to "surfeit of resources"?

Yes, alternatives like "abundance of resources" or "wealth of resources" convey the idea of plentiful resources without necessarily implying excess or negative consequences.

Is it ever appropriate to use "surfeit of resources" in a positive way?

While it's less common, "surfeit of resources" can be used positively if the context emphasizes how the excess enables innovation or overcomes challenges, framing the abundance as a strength rather than a weakness.