rationing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rationing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to the controlled distribution of scarce or limited resources or goods, especially in a time of crisis. Example Sentence: During World War II, governments implemented rationing of fuel, food, and other resources in order to preserve them for military use.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nearly 15 million people are living under some form of water rationing, barred from freely sprinkling their lawns or refilling their swimming pools.

The Guardian

Related: Brazil drought: water rationing alone won't save Sao Paulo At the Waterbank School in Laikipia, pupils demonstrate in class what they learn about economically and environmentally sustainable rainwater harvesting, water filtration, sanitation and agricultural practices, which is bound to have a wider knock-on effect for their futures.

The Guardian

His remarks caused a storm of outrage in a country still suffering rationing.

The Guardian

Yorkers such as Bresnan finally produced are tending to become an endangered species: perhaps, like petrol, they are subject to rationing in Antigua.

The Guardian - Sport

This new, profligate – almost punk — kind of business model trashed the tenets of an older generation brought up with rationing and restriction.

The Guardian

There was no acknowledgement of rising delays for in- and out-patients, nor of the great wave of rationing that two in five commissioning groups are signalling that they might soon embark on.

The Guardian - Opinion

It charts the violent death, in 1946 rural Kent, of a middle-aged reclusive woman, at a time when Britain's celebratory mood is muted by privation and rationing.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, to read through the memo is to be reminded of how successful the Obama administration has been at rationing even the most basic information.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a true representation of the portion of British youth whose parents force them to read print newspapers – and possibly also force them to take part in other anachronistic endeavours like wearing zoot suits and rationing eggs – and therefore have the least amount of fun.

The Guardian

I don't like money being wasted and I buy lots of my clothes in charity shops – perhaps it is as a result of the war and rationing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lord Baker, when home secretary, thought of rationing jail-crazy magistrates to a fixed number of cells each week, after filling which they would not be able to give custodial sentences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "rationing", clearly specify what is being rationed and the reason behind it to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "rationing", which refers to controlled distribution, with "rationalizing", which means justifying or providing reasons for something. Using them interchangeably can lead to miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rationing" is as a noun, referring to the act or system of distributing scarce resources in a controlled manner. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe limitations on water, food, and other essential goods, often during crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationing" denotes the controlled distribution of limited resources, often during times of scarcity. Grammatically, it functions as a noun and sees frequent use in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media. As noted by Ludwig, the term is used to describe limitations on resources like water and food. It's important to use the term accurately, distinguishing it from similar words like "rationalizing". Understanding its implications and historical usage, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, allows for more precise and effective communication in discussing resource management and economic strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controlled distribution

Focuses on the act of managing how something is allocated.

resource allocation

Highlights the management and assignment of resources.

supply management

Emphasizes the control and distribution of available supplies.

quota system

Refers to a specific method of limiting distribution to a set amount.

conservation measures

Stresses actions taken to preserve resources.

limited availability

Indicates that something is not readily accessible in large quantities.

scarcity management

Highlights strategies for dealing with a lack of resources.

regulated consumption

Focuses on controlling how much of something is used.

controlled access

Emphasizes restrictions on obtaining something.

portion control

Deals with limiting the size of individual servings or allocations.

FAQs

How is "rationing" typically implemented?

"Rationing" is usually implemented through a system of quotas, vouchers, or controlled distribution to ensure fair access to limited resources during times of scarcity or crisis.

What are some common examples of "rationing" in history?

Common examples include food "controlled distribution" during wartime, water restrictions during droughts, and energy limitations during shortages.

What's the difference between "rationing" and price controls?

"Rationing" limits the quantity of goods available to each person, while price controls set maximum prices. They can be used together, but "rationing" addresses scarcity directly, while price controls aim to prevent profiteering.

What are the potential negative consequences of "rationing"?

Potential negative consequences include the creation of black markets, administrative challenges, and public dissatisfaction, especially if the system is perceived as unfair or inefficient. You can also use "supply management" techniques.