# ration

/ˈɹæʃən/ (US) · /ɹˈæʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ration
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a fixed amount of food, fuel, or other supplies allowed to one person. This usually happens during a time of shortage, like a war.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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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.