Word
allocation
Phoneticsal·lo·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæɫəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/ˌæləkˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01the process of sharing resources
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. the act of giving out parts of a total amount of something to different people or for different uses.
n. the process or procedure of distributing resources, such as capital, personnel, or equipment, according to a specific plan.
日本語:割り当て※
“The efficient allocation of the budget allowed the school to buy new computers for every classroom.”
“Economists argue that the efficient allocation of scarce resources is the primary challenge facing developing nations in the current fiscal climate.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' and then 'to' or 'between'.
Synonyms
02an amount given
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the specific amount of something that you are allowed to have or use.
n. a specific amount or portion of a resource that has been designated for a particular recipient.
日本語:割り当て※
“Each department received a small allocation of the total office space.”
“The regional manager requested an increased allocation of the marketing budget to support the launch of the new product line in autumn.”
03cell development
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the way a young cell in a living thing is limited to becoming a specific type of body part.
n. the restriction of an embryonic cell and its descendants to a specific cell type or body region during development.
“Scientists studied the allocation of cells in the embryo to see how the heart forms.”
“The study provides new insights into the genetic triggers that govern cell allocation during the earliest stages of vertebrate morphogenesis.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “allocation” in context.
Verb
01. increase the allocation of
“The board decided to increase the allocation of funds to the research and development sector.”
verb + noun + prep
02. optimize the allocation
“The new software helps managers optimize the allocation of resources across different departments.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. arbitrary allocation
“Staff members complained that the arbitrary allocation of office space lacked any clear logic.”
adj + noun
04. equitable allocation
“The committee is striving for an equitable allocation of the remaining budget to all schools.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. allocation of resources
“The efficient allocation of resources is critical during a public health emergency.”
noun + of + noun
06. asset allocation
“Financial advisors often suggest a diversified asset allocation to minimize investment risks.”
noun + noun
Preposition
07. in the allocation of
“Transparency is essential in the allocation of government contracts to private firms.”
prep + noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“Philadelphians feared tax increases prompted by the fair and objected to the allocation of city funds to commercial interests rather than housing and infrastructure.” “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.” “Seats would be awarded by moving down that ranking until each party had filled its national allocation.” Etymology
From Middle French allocacion, from Medieval Latin allocātiō. By surface analysis, allocate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/allocation
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0