ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ration

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹæʃən// UK //ɹˈæʃən// ra·tion

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.


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.

Origin

From French ration. Doublet of reason and ratio.

Usage

Often used in the plural ('rations') when referring to a person's total supply of food.

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