surplus population

USAGE SUMMARY

'surplus population' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people in a particular area that is larger than can be economically supported in that area. For example, "The civil war caused a massive influx of refugees, leading to a surplus population in many cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Historical studies

Economics

Sociology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A hundred years ago -- when Europe's surplus population was still crossing the oceans to populate America and Australasia -- the countries that make up today's European Union accounted for around 14percentt of the world's population.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They had better do it and decrease the surplus population".

The Guardian - Opinion

As happened in Europe in the 18th century, population growth and technological improvements to agriculture are creating a surplus population.

The Economist

The surplus population continued to leave Prussia's eastern provinces, but the destination was the growing and multiplying factories of Berlin and the Ruhr rather than the Americas.

Britannica

An older view, according to which Archaic Greece exported its surplus population because of an uncontrollable rise in population, must be regarded as largely discredited.

Britannica

Those who argue that it does point to the human and material resources and the outlets for goods, investment capital, and surplus population provided by an empire.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And so prisons pop up all over the world, often with the assistance of private corporations who profit from these surplus populations".

The Guardian

My second book project, The Work of Art and Unemployment, is a theory of the impact of surplus populations on twentieth century American literature.

Yale University

Do we truly have to absorb the world's surplus populations until we become like the third-world countries from which they come: overpopulated, with our resources depleted and with massive unemployment?

The New York Times

It has been obvious for at least 30 years that the sites of misery and exploitation, triumphantly erased in slum and industrial clearance programmes here, were only being erected elsewhere, and summoning into their service innocent young countrywomen, yesterday's dispossessed peasantry, surplus populations, just as occurred here in the late 18th and early 19th century.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unable to find decent jobs, and unwilling to take what's left, many of those left behind in the transformation to a global economy--what writers like Noam Chomsky and Christian Parenti have termed "surplus labor" or "surplus population --turned to the two sides of the War on Drugs for economic sustenance: drug dealing and criminal justice.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surplus population", clarify the context. Specify the region, economic conditions, or historical period to ensure your audience understands the factors contributing to the surplus.

Common error

Don't assume that a "surplus population" is inherently negative. A large population can also drive innovation and economic growth if managed effectively. Acknowledge potential benefits alongside challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surplus population" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a group of people exceeding available resources or opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's often the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "surplus population" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe a demographic condition where the number of people exceeds available resources or opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from historical analysis and economic discussions to sociological studies. While often associated with negative consequences like resource strain, a "surplus population" can also potentially stimulate economic growth and innovation. It's crucial to consider the specific context and avoid generalizations. Alternatives such as "excess population" or "demographic overflow" can provide nuanced perspectives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excess of inhabitants

This alternative emphasizes the quantity of people exceeding the available resources.

overabundance of people

This phrase highlights the excessive number of people in a given area.

demographic overflow

This term focuses on the population exceeding a sustainable level.

excess labor force

This alternative specifies the labor aspect of the surplus, focusing on unemployment.

population glut

This phrase implies a market-like oversupply of people.

oversupply of individuals

This option emphasizes the quantity of individuals exceeding the opportunities available.

redundant population

This suggests the population is unnecessary or not needed.

unneeded population

This directly states that the population is not required or beneficial.

unsustainable population level

This emphasizes the inability of the environment or economy to support the current population.

excess of human capital

This highlights the overabundance of skills and abilities compared to available jobs.

FAQs

How can I use "surplus population" in a sentence?

You can use "surplus population" to describe situations where the number of people exceeds available resources. For example, "Technological advancements can lead to a "surplus population" if job creation doesn't keep pace."

What are some alternatives to "surplus population"?

Some alternatives include "excess population", "overabundance of people", or "demographic overflow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "surplus population"?

Not necessarily. While a "surplus population" can strain resources, it can also provide a larger workforce and potentially drive economic growth and innovation if managed effectively.

What factors can contribute to a "surplus population"?

Factors contributing to a "surplus population" can include high birth rates, low death rates, immigration, technological advancements that reduce labor needs, and economic downturns that limit job opportunities.