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allocation

allocation

52 4.3
An amount of something given for a particular use
  • noun
  • /ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/
translation icon : asignación
  • The allocation of time and budget for the project needs careful planning to meet deadlines.
  • resource allocation
  • water allocation
  • time allocation

Just think of money as as a database for resource allocation across time and space.

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Examples

  • But it is also important for the allocation of resources in the economy.

    Academic text (2017)
  • In fact, the Pentagon has asked Congress for $4.7 billion, almost $1 billion more than the 2013 allocation, for increased cyberspace operations.

  • Now the other thing we talk about all the time is capital allocation, right?

  • It's about the efficient allocation of resources.

  • So I think this low allocation to tech is a mistake.

  • In recent years, federal and state allocations to public schools have been significantly reduced.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Economics is, formally at least, the study of the allocation of scarce resources.

  • Over time, Basel came to be criticized for its allocation of risk between different categories of lending.

    Academic text (2008)
  • This allocation of 850,000 is inclusive of fees for yourself and Leslie.

  • The government is focusing on the fair allocation of funds to support small businesses.

Synonyms

budget
vsallocation
2.1

A plan for how much money to spend and receive, or the money set aside for something

is the act of giving or the amount provided rather than a financial plan
quota
vsallocation
470 3.8

A fixed official limit on how much of something is allowed

is the process or amount given for a purpose rather than a fixed limit
sharing
vsallocation
99 1.0

Dividing something so several people each get part

is more formal and often refers to planned provision or a set amount
distribution
vsallocation
60 3.2

The act of giving things out to many people or places

is more often used for a specified purpose or amount
appropriation
vsallocation
  • Formal
58 6.4

Money set aside by a government or group for a particular use

is broader, applying to any resource or amount not only official funds
assignment
vsallocation
38 1.8

The act of giving things or tasks to people

is more general and not limited to specified recipients
allotment
vsallocation
  • UK
5 4.6

The giving out of things according to a plan

is broader covering any distribution process or the amount given
apportionment
vsallocation
3 7.8

The sharing of things among people or groups according to a plan

is used more generally and not only when strict rules guide sharing
dispensation
vsallocation
2 7.7

A share of something given to a person or group

is the broader process or amount rather than a single portion
resourcing
vsallocation
  • Jargon
1 4.2

Giving people, money, or equipment to a project

is more general and covers distribution or the amount for any purpose
apportioning
vsallocation
1 7.5

Dividing and giving things among people or groups by a plan

is broader not limited to rule based divisions
parceling
vsallocation
  • US
1 5.1

Dividing something into parts and giving those parts to people

is broader, including giving amounts or resources beyond mere division
assigning
vsallocation
2.5

Giving something to a person or place for a reason

is broader, referring to both distribution process and the amount given
assignation
vsallocation
  • Archaic
8.9

Giving things, money or jobs to people according to a plan

is more general and not only for distributions made under systems or plans

Compounds

file allocation table
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A table on a computer disk that shows where information is stored and which areas cannot be used

allocation unit
  • Specialized
7.4

A block of disk space reserved for one file, the smallest amount a file can use

storage allocation
  • Specialized
5.4

Giving parts of a computer's memory or disk to hold files and programs

How Much

endowment
  • Formal
67 6.5
allocation
52 4.3
allotment
  • Formal
7 5.1
share
667 1.6
portion
449 2.1

Surface Forms

allocation singular
allocations plural

Morphology

allocation = allocate (transparent) = allocate + ion

The noun is formed by adding the nominalizing suffix '-ion' to the verb 'allocate', yielding the process or result of allocating.

Etymology

Allocation comes from parts that mean 'to' and 'place', with the root loc meaning 'place', just like in location. So an allocation is something 'placed' for a purpose or the amount given to a person or project.