allocation
- 01 C1 Advanced
the act of giving out parts of a total amount of something to different people or for different uses.
the process or procedure of distributing resources, such as capital, personnel, or equipment, according to a specific plan.
Simple“The efficient allocation of the budget allowed the school to buy new computers for every classroom.”
In context“Economists argue that the efficient allocation of scarce resources is the primary challenge facing developing nations in the current fiscal climate.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of' and then 'to' or 'between'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the specific amount of something that you are allowed to have or use.
a specific amount or portion of a resource that has been designated for a particular recipient.
Simple“Each department received a small allocation of the total office space.”
In context“The regional manager requested an increased allocation of the marketing budget to support the launch of the new product line in autumn.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
the way a young cell in a living thing is limited to becoming a specific type of body part.
the restriction of an embryonic cell and its descendants to a specific cell type or body region during development.
Simple“Scientists studied the allocation of cells in the embryo to see how the heart forms.”
In context“The study provides new insights into the genetic triggers that govern cell allocation during the earliest stages of vertebrate morphogenesis.”
Synonyms
“CADRE will test three lunar rovers that autonomously coordinate mapping, task allocation, leader selection and replanning during a ~2-week mission planned for late 2026.”
“Philadelphians feared tax increases prompted by the fair and objected to the allocation of city funds to commercial interests rather than housing and infrastructure.”
From Middle French allocacion, from Medieval Latin allocātiō. By surface analysis, allocate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.