allocation
al-uh-KAY-shun
/ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
The formal process of distributing scarce resources, financial capital, or duties for specific policy purposes.
Implies a deliberate, systematic division based on planning or market signals.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'ad-' (towards) and 'locare' (to place, from 'locus' place). It literally means 'placing something in its designated spot'. By the 19th century, it became the standard term for designating financial assets to specific line items.
Word relationships
- apportionment: 'Apportionment' carries a strong legal or political sense (e.g., legislative seats), whereas 'allocation' is broader for economic assets.
- distribution: 'Distribution' can be an organic market outcome; 'allocation' often implies deliberate policy assignment.
- misallocation: 'Misallocation' refers to improper, inefficient, or wasteful assignment of resources.
Commonly confused with
- location: 'Location' is a physical place; 'allocation' is the act of assigning funds or resources.
Word family
- allocate (verb): To distribute resources or duties for a specific purpose.
- allocative (adjective): Relating to the allocation of resources.
Collocations
- resource allocation
- budget allocation
- efficient allocation
- allocation of funds
Idioms & expressions
- carving up the pie
Example sentences
- "The effective allocation of tax revenue toward public infrastructure is critical for long-term economic growth." Public finance budget analysis
- "During the drought, local authorities introduced strict water allocation rules for agricultural sectors." Resource management strategy
Memory hook
AL-LOCATE means giving each dollar its specific LOCATION in the budget. Placing resources into designated slots.
When not to use
Do not use for random, chaotic, or accidental scattering of items.
Fun facts
- Pareto Efficiency in welfare economics is defined as a state where resource allocation cannot be changed without making someone worse off.
Related words
Explore more words
allocate, Diversify, redistribution, distributive, distribution, deploy
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