Supernumerary (Noun)
Meaning 1
A minor actor in crowd scenes.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The film's budget allowed for only a small number of speaking roles, so many actors were hired as supernumeraries to fill out crowd scenes.
- As a young actress just starting out, Sarah often found herself working as a supernumerary in large productions.
- Casting agents typically seek out attractive and physically able-bodied individuals to work as supernumeraries in period dramas.
- John had always dreamed of being a famous actor, but for now he was happy to work as a supernumerary on movie sets.
- Working as a supernumerary on several TV shows, Emma was able to pay her bills while continuing to audition for more substantial roles.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A person serving no apparent function; "reducing staff is difficult because our employees include no supernumeraries".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The company was forced to lay off several employees, but the CEO's nephew remained on the payroll as a supernumerary.
- After the merger, many supernumeraries were let go as the company streamlined its operations.
- The new manager was tasked with identifying and eliminating supernumeraries in the department.
- Despite the economic downturn, the company retained several supernumeraries who were friends of the owner.
- The board of directors was criticized for retaining several high-paid supernumeraries who contributed little to the organization.