Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
An ~ of something is a larger amount than is needed, allowed, or usual.
An ~ of house plants in a small flat can be oppressive...
Polyunsaturated oils are essential for health. Excess is harmful, however.
N-VAR: with supp, usu a N of n
2.
Excess is used to describe amounts that are greater than what is needed, allowed, or usual.
After cooking the fish, pour off any ~ fat...
= surplus
ADJ: ADJ n
3.
Excess is behaviour that is unacceptable because it is considered too extreme or immoral.
She said she was sick of her life of ~.
...adolescent ~.
N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl
4.
Excess is used to refer to additional amounts of money that need to be paid for services and activities that were not originally planned or taken into account. (FORMAL)
...a letter demanding an ~ fare of ?20...
ADJ: ADJ n
5.
The ~ on an insurance policy is a sum of money which the insured person has to pay towards the cost of a claim. The insurance company pays the rest. (BRIT BUSINESS, TECHNICAL)
The company wanted ?1,800 for a policy with a ?400 ~ for under-21s.
N-COUNT: usu sing
6.
In ~ of means more than a particular amount. (FORMAL)
Avoid deposits in ~ of ?20,000 in any one account...
PREP-PHRASE: PREP amount
7.
If you do something to ~, you do it too much.
I was reasonably fit, played a lot of tennis, and didn’t smoke or drink to ~...
PHRASE: PHR after v disapproval