allocation
al-uh-KAY-shuhn
/ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
The action of setting aside or distributing funds, resources, or duties for a specific purpose.
Focuses on strategic decision-making and budget distribution prior to disbursement.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'allocare', combining 'ad-' (to) and 'locus' (place). Literally, to allocate resources is to 'place them' in designated slots or operational accounts.
Word relationships
- apportionment: 'Apportionment' stresses proportional division according to a formula, while 'allocation' is broader strategic distribution.
- consolidation: Consolidation pulls scattered resources into one place, whereas allocation designates resources out.
Commonly confused with
- disbursement: 'Allocation' is the decision to set aside funds for a purpose; 'disbursement' is the actual payment payout.
Word family
- allocate (verb): To distribute resources or assign funds for a specific purpose.
- allocative (adjective): Relating to the allocation of resources.
Collocations
- budget allocation
- resource allocation
- allocation of funds
- efficient allocation
Example sentences
- "The board approved an increased allocation of annual funds for undergraduate financial aid." Budget Strategy
- "Efficient allocation of research grant funds allowed the laboratory to double its research staff." Resource Management
Memory hook
LOCATE a specific place (LOC) for your funds; that is an ALLOCATION. Allocation places funds where they belong.
When not to use
Do not use 'allocation' to describe physical cash handed over at a retail register.
Fun facts
- In university administration, 'resource allocation formulas' calculate exactly how much money each academic department receives per enrolled student.
Explore more words
allocate, Diversify, redistribution, distributive, distribution, deploy
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