allocation
The process of giving out or distributing something, especially resources like money, time, or space, for a specific purpose. It refers both to the act of assigning these resources and the specific amount or share that has been assigned.
Examples
3 of 5We need to rethink our weekly time allocation if we want to finish the project on time.
We need to rethink our weekly time distribution if we want to finish the project on time.
The government announced a new allocation of funds to improve the national healthcare system.
The government announced a new distribution of money to improve the national healthcare system.
I'm not happy with my data allocation this month; I've already used up most of my gigabytes.
I'm not happy with my data allowance this month; I've already used up most of my gigabytes.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'locate'. When you allocate something, you 'locate' where each share should go.
Quick Quiz
The manager is responsible for the ______ of tasks among the team members.
Correct!
The correct answer is: allocation
Examples
We need to rethink our weekly time allocation if we want to finish the project on time.
everydayWe need to rethink our weekly time distribution if we want to finish the project on time.
The government announced a new allocation of funds to improve the national healthcare system.
formalThe government announced a new distribution of money to improve the national healthcare system.
I'm not happy with my data allocation this month; I've already used up most of my gigabytes.
informalI'm not happy with my data allowance this month; I've already used up most of my gigabytes.
Efficient resource allocation is a central theme in modern microeconomic theory.
academicEfficient resource distribution is a central theme in modern microeconomic theory.
The board of directors approved the capital allocation for the upcoming expansion into Asian markets.
businessThe board of directors approved the money distribution for the upcoming expansion into Asian markets.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
allocation of resources
the act of deciding how to use available materials or personnel
final allocation
the last or definitive distribution of something
market allocation
the distribution of goods or services within a market
Often Confused With
An allotment usually refers to a specific portion or share given to someone, whereas allocation refers more to the process of deciding the distribution.
Location refers to a physical place, while allocation refers to the distribution of resources.
Usage Notes
The word is most frequently used in business, economics, and government contexts. It can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific amounts (e.g., 'different allocations') or as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun form 'allocation' when they should use the verb 'allocate' (e.g., saying 'we need to allocation the funds' instead of 'we need to allocate the funds').
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'locate'. When you allocate something, you 'locate' where each share should go.
Word Origin
From the Medieval Latin 'allocatio', derived from 'allocare', meaning 'to place or assign'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western corporate cultures, 'asset allocation' is a key term used in personal finance and retirement planning.
Quick Quiz
The manager is responsible for the ______ of tasks among the team members.
Correct!
The correct answer is: allocation
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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