# redistribution

/ˌɹidɪstɹəbˈjuʃən/ (US) · /ɹˌiːdɪstɹɪbjˈuːʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/redistribution
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the act of sharing something out again in a different way to make it more fair. It usually refers to moving money or resources from wealthy groups to poorer ones.

For teachers: the process of reallocating assets, wealth, or resources among members of a society or between different groups. Often refers specifically to fiscal policies that transfer income from high earners to lower-income populations through taxation and social spending.

## Examples

- The government proposed a redistribution of wealth through new taxes.
- Economists argue that the redistribution of land was necessary to ensure the long-term stability of the rural economy.
- The debate over the redistribution of parliamentary seats highlights the tension between maintaining historical boundaries and ensuring equal representation for rapidly growing urban populations.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general concept or policy; countable when referring to a specific instance or plan.

---

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.