B2 noun Neutral

distribution

/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/

Distribution refers to the act of sharing or giving out something among a number of recipients, or the way in which something is spread over an area or among a group. In statistics and science, it describes the frequency or arrangement of specific data points or characteristics within a population.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The distribution of flyers in the neighborhood took all morning.

The act of handing out papers to people in the local area was a long task.

2

The equitable distribution of resources remains a primary goal of the international committee.

Sharing materials fairly among everyone is the main objective of the group.

3

The distribution of the snacks was totally unfair; I only got one small bag!

The way the food was handed out was not equal at all.

Word Family

Noun
distribution
Verb
distribute
Adverb
distributively
Adjective
distributive
Related
distributor
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'dis-' in distribution as 'dispersing' or 'distance'—you are moving things away from a center to different places.

Quick Quiz

The global __________ of the vaccine was a massive logistical challenge for the healthcare industry.

Correct!

The correct answer is: distribution

Examples

1

The distribution of flyers in the neighborhood took all morning.

everyday

The act of handing out papers to people in the local area was a long task.

2

The equitable distribution of resources remains a primary goal of the international committee.

formal

Sharing materials fairly among everyone is the main objective of the group.

3

The distribution of the snacks was totally unfair; I only got one small bag!

informal

The way the food was handed out was not equal at all.

4

The study examines the geographical distribution of rare plant species across the rainforest.

academic

The research looks at where specific rare plants are located throughout the forest.

5

We need to optimize our distribution network to reduce shipping costs and delivery times.

business

We must improve our system for delivering products to save money and time.

Word Family

Noun
distribution
Verb
distribute
Adverb
distributively
Adjective
distributive
Related
distributor

Common Collocations

income distribution how wealth is shared among a population
normal distribution a common bell-shaped curve in statistics
distribution channel the chain of businesses through which a product passes
mass distribution the act of giving something to a very large number of people
geographical distribution how something is spread over a specific physical area

Common Phrases

points of distribution

specific locations where goods are handed out to the public

widely distributed

spread out over a very large area or among many people

distribution of wealth

the comparison of the assets held by different groups in a society

Often Confused With

distribution vs contribution

A contribution is something you give 'in' to a group, while distribution is something given 'out' from a source.

distribution vs disruption

Disruption is a disturbance that stops a process, whereas distribution is the process of spreading things out.

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Usage Notes

Use 'distribution' when talking about the process of moving goods (business) or the pattern of where things are found (science/statistics). It is often followed by the preposition 'of'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 'distribute' (the verb) with 'distribution' (the noun) or use 'distribution' when they actually mean 'contribution' (giving to a cause).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'dis-' in distribution as 'dispersing' or 'distance'—you are moving things away from a center to different places.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'distributio', from the verb 'distribuere', meaning to divide up or assign to specific categories.

Grammar Patterns

countable or uncountable noun often follows 'the distribution of [noun]' plural form: distributions
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking countries, 'wealth distribution' is a central topic in political debates regarding taxes and social services.

Quick Quiz

The global __________ of the vaccine was a massive logistical challenge for the healthcare industry.

Correct!

The correct answer is: distribution

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C1

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interrogist

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deverbary

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