Quota Definition, Examples, and Common Usage

Meaning 1：official allowed amount (quota)

quota 🔊

/ˈkwoʊ.tə/

the fixed number or amount of something that is officially allowed or required.

Quota sign limiting eggs to two cartons per customer in supermarket

official allowed amount 🔊

➕

/əˈfɪʃəl əˈlaʊd əˈmaʊnt/

A predetermined number or amount of something that is officially permitted or required, often in business, trade, or resource allocation.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'quota pars' meaning 'how great a part?', derived from 'quotus' (of what number).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'quote' – a quota is a fixed quote for how much you can get.

📖 Example

The sales team must achieve its monthly quota before they can receive their bonuses. 🔊 The sales team must achieve its monthly quota before they can receive their bonuses.

🔗 Collocations

sales quota – A target amount of sales to be achieved within a period

quota system – A method of allocating resources or opportunities based on fixed proportions

immigration quota – A legal limit on the number of immigrants allowed into a country

🔄 Synonyms

allowance (n.) – A limited amount or quantity that is permitted, especially in a financial or resource context.

limit (n.) – A point or level beyond which something is not allowed to go.

allocation (n.) – A portion or share of a resource that is distributed according to a plan.

🚫 Antonyms

unlimited (adj.) – Without any fixed limit or restriction.

open (adj.) – Not restricted or limited; available without constraints.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating in 15th-century Latin accounting, 'quota' was used to denote a proportional share. It entered English legal and commercial contexts in the 1600s, often referring to required contributions or limits.