Rationing
'ræʃənɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsThe controlled allocation of resources, especially during periods of scarcity or emergency, to ensure fair distribution.
'ræʃənɪŋ
The controlled distribution of scarce resources.
Meat rationing was introduced during the Second World War.
💡 Simply: Rationing is like when everyone gets a little bit of something instead of just some people getting a lot. It happens when there isn't much of something to go around, like during a war or a shortage.
👶 For kids: Rationing is when people only get a certain amount of things like food or water, so everyone can have some.
More Examples
The government imposed gasoline rationing during the energy crisis.
Effective rationing can prevent shortages and ensure the survival of a population.
How It's Used
"During the war, rationing of food and fuel was implemented to ensure equitable distribution."
"The government considered rationing healthcare to manage rising costs."
The act or practice of controlling and distributing limited resources, especially during scarcity or emergencies.
'ræʃənɪŋ
The act of distributing something in a controlled way.
The store was rationing sugar during the shortage.
💡 Simply: Rationing means to carefully give out only a certain amount of something to each person or group, especially when there isn't enough for everyone to have as much as they want.
👶 For kids: Rationing is when you share something so that everyone gets some, even if there isn't a lot.
More Examples
The government started rationing electricity during the blackout.
The army was rationing supplies to the soldiers on the front lines.
How It's Used
"The government was rationing gasoline because of the war."
Idioms & expressions
ration book
A book of coupons or permits used during rationing to purchase limited supplies.
"During World War II, people had to use ration books to buy essential items like sugar and butter."
ration card
A card used to control and limit the amount of resources a person or household could consume
"During the oil crisis, families needed a ration card to purchase gasoline."
From 'ration' + '-ing'. 'Ration' derives from the Latin 'ratio' meaning 'reckoning' or 'account', and originally referred to a fixed allowance of provisions. The verb 'ration' and its derived forms gained prominence during periods of scarcity, particularly during wars, to distribute limited resources fairly.
The word rationing became especially prevalent during the World Wars and times of economic hardship, reflecting the need for controlled distribution of resources.
Memory tip
Imagine a line of people carefully receiving their share of food - that's rationing.