Final answer:
An antonym for a surplus is a shortage.
Step-by-step explanation:
An antonym for a surplus is a shortage.
In economics, a surplus refers to a situation where the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded at a given price. On the other hand, a shortage occurs when the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied at a particular price. In other words, when there is a shortage, the demand for a good or service is greater than the supply.
For example, let's say the price of a certain product is set at $10. If there is a surplus, it means that there is a higher quantity of the product available than consumers are willing to buy at that price. Conversely, if there is a shortage, it means that the quantity demanded by consumers exceeds the quantity available at $10.