Word
ration
Phoneticsra·tion, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹæʃən/
UK/ɹˈæʃən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a fixed amount of food, fuel, or other supplies allowed to one person. This usually happens during a time of shortage, like a war.
n. a fixed portion of a commodity allowed to an individual during a period of shortage. Often used in military or emergency contexts to ensure equitable distribution of scarce resources.
Examples
“Each soldier receives a daily ration of bread and water.”
“During the long drought, the government introduced a strict water ration for every household in the city.”
“The humanitarian agency struggled to deliver the full weekly ration to the refugees due to the deteriorating security situation along the border.”
Examples
simple
“Each soldier receives a daily ration of bread and water.”
contextual
“During the long drought, the government introduced a strict water ration for every household in the city.”
complex
“The humanitarian agency struggled to deliver the full weekly ration to the refugees due to the deteriorating security situation along the border.”
Usage
Often used in the plural ('rations') when referring to a person's total supply of food.
Real-World Examples
“Though the air-raid sirens had fallen silent, many everyday foods remained rationed, including sugar.” “After the second world war, sugar remained rationed in Britain for several years.” Etymology
From French ration. Doublet of reason and ratio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ration