What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quota
Example
The company has set a quota for sales this month. [quota: noun]
Example
Each team member has a quota of tasks to complete by the end of the day. [quota: noun]
Example
The government has imposed a quota on the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country. [quota: noun]
ration
Example
During the war, people had to ration their food and water supplies. [ration: verb]
Example
Each refugee was given a ration of food and water for the week. [ration: noun]
Example
The government has decided to ration the use of electricity due to the shortage of power supply. [ration: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quota is more commonly used in business and trade contexts, while ration is more commonly used in emergency or scarcity situations. Both words are less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quota and ration?
Quota is more formal than ration and is often used in professional or academic settings. Ration is more informal and can be used in everyday conversation.
