quota
KOH-tuh
/ˈkwoʊtə/
A fixed share or amount of something that a person or group is required to contribute or receive.
In sales, a quota is a specific target (usually financial) that a salesperson must reach within a set timeframe to be considered successful.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'quot', meaning 'how many'. It originally referred to the proportional share of a total that was due from or to a person or body.
Word relationships
- target: A target is a goal you aim for; a quota is often a mandatory minimum requirement.
- allocation: Allocation refers to the distribution of resources, while quota refers to the required output.
Commonly confused with
- goal: A goal can be qualitative and aspirational; a quota is quantitative and mandatory.
Word family
- quotas (noun): Plural form of quota.
Collocations
- meet a quota
- sales quota
- exceed your quota
- monthly quota
Example sentences
- "The sales team was scrambling to meet their monthly quota before the Friday deadline." Discussing the pressure of monthly sales targets.
- "A quota is not a suggestion; it is the baseline for your continued employment." A real-world observation on the nature of sales targets.
Memory hook
Think of 'Quote a number'. A quota is the specific number you are quoted as your target. Quote the target number.
When not to use
Do not use 'quota' for vague goals; it implies a strict, numerical requirement.
Fun facts
- Quotas are used not just in sales, but also in international trade to limit the amount of goods that can be imported.
Related words
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