allocation
al-oh-KAY-shun
/ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/
The action or process of distributing resources or shares for a particular purpose.
Usually implies a formal, often legal or bureaucratic, decision-making process.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'locare' (to place), the same root as 'location.' To allocate is to 'place' a resource toward a specific person or goal.
Word relationships
- allotment: Allotment often refers to the specific portion given, while allocation refers to the process of giving it.
- distribution: Distribution is broader and can be natural; allocation is always intentional.
Commonly confused with
- location: Location is where something is; allocation is where something is assigned to go.
Word family
- allocate (verb): To distribute according to a plan.
- allocator (noun): One who allocates.
Collocations
- resource allocation
- budget allocation
- water allocation
Example sentences
- "The allocation of water from the Colorado River is governed by a century-old compact." Water rights debate
- "Efficient resource allocation is the key to maintaining a sustainable budget." Corporate finance
Memory hook
Think of 'Allow-cation'—allowing a certain amount to go to a certain location. Assigning a spot.
When not to use
Don't use for random sharing; use when there is a plan or system involved.
Fun facts
- In economics, 'Pareto efficiency' is a state where no further allocation can make someone better off without making someone else worse off.
Related words
Explore more words
allocate, Diversify, redistribution, distributive, distribution, deploy
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