rationing
RASH-un-ing
/ˈræʃənɪŋ/
The controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services.
Rationing is usually a government-led response to a crisis (like war or famine) to ensure everyone gets a fair share.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'ratio,' meaning calculation or reason. It implies a logical, calculated way of dividing a limited supply so that the 'reason' (survival of the group) is met.
Word relationships
- allocation: Allocation is a general term for distributing resources; rationing specifically implies that there isn't enough to go around.
- deregulation: The removal of regulations or restrictions, especially in a particular industry.
Commonly confused with
- portioning: Portioning is just dividing food into servings; rationing is a systemic restriction on how much you are allowed to have.
Word family
- ration (noun/verb): A fixed amount of a commodity allowed to each person.
Collocations
- food rationing
- fuel rationing
- strict rationing
- rationing system
Example sentences
- "During the war, food rationing meant that items like sugar and butter were strictly limited." World War II history.
- "The hospital had to implement the rationing of oxygen during the peak of the pandemic." Modern crisis management.
Memory hook
Rationing: Being 'Rational' about how much you eat so the food lasts. Ration = Rational share.
When not to use
Don't use it for your own personal diet unless you are being humorous about your self-control.
Fun facts
- In the UK, some food rationing from WWII actually continued until 1954, nearly a decade after the war ended.
Related words
Explore more words
scarcity, allocate, scarce, distributive, redistribution, triage
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