# appropriation

/əˌpɹoʊpɹiˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɐpɹˌəʊpɹɪˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/appropriation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. taking without permission

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

taking something for yourself, especially when you do not have the right to do so.

For teachers: the act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission or legal right.

- The company was accused of the illegal appropriation of private land for its new factory.
- The historian argued that the appropriation of local resources by the colonial government led directly to the subsequent economic collapse.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. government funding

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

an amount of money that a government or organization officially sets aside for a specific purpose.

For teachers: a sum of money or assets formally allotted by a legislative body for a specific public expenditure.

- The city council approved a new appropriation for the construction of a public library.
- The emergency budget included a significant appropriation for disaster relief, ensuring that local authorities could begin reconstruction immediately.

Usage: Commonly used in the plural 'appropriations' when referring to general budget bills.

### 3. cultural/artistic borrowing

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

using elements from another culture or another artist's work in your own creation.

For teachers: the intentional borrowing, copying, or alteration of existing symbols, objects, or cultural elements within a new work.

- The artist faced criticism for cultural appropriation after using traditional patterns without understanding their meaning.
- Postmodern art often relies on the appropriation of mass-media imagery to critique consumer culture and the concept of authenticity.

Teaching tip: In modern sociology, 'cultural appropriation' is a highly sensitive term used to describe a dominant culture taking from a minority culture.

## Examples

- The appropriation of public funds caused an uproar.
- Critics argued that the fashion brand's use of indigenous patterns was cultural appropriation rather than appreciation.
- The debate over cultural appropriation highlights the tension between creative borrowing and the exploitation of marginalized voices in globalized markets.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.