Quota

Definition

A quota is a fixed share or proportion of something that a person or group is entitled to receive or is bound to contribute.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkwoʊtə/
• Respelling: KWOH-tuh (with "KWOH" as in "quote," and "tuh" as in "butter")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkwəʊtə/
• Respelling: KWOH-tuh (similar to American English, with "KWOH" as in "quote," and "tuh" as in "butter")

In both dialects, "quota" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "KWOH." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "KWOH" part

Etymology

The word "quota" is derived from the Latin word "quotus", which means "how many". It entered the English language in the 17th century, signifying a share or proportional part of something.

Derivatives

• Quotable
• Quotation
• Quote
• Quoter
• Quotidian

Synonyms

• Allocation
• Allotment
• Share

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Totality

Usage

"Quota" can refer to a variety of limits or shares, such as the maximum amount of goods that can be imported or the minimum number of members of a specific group that must be included in a particular activity or group. It is commonly used in trade, business, and legal contexts to indicate proportions, limits, or shares.

Related Terms

• Quotient
• Proportion
• Ratio

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A proportional part or share of a fixed total amount or quantity.
• Example: The country has exceeded its fishing quota for the year.

• A fixed maximum or minimum quantity of something, especially that which an organization or individual is obliged to contribute or is entitled to receive.
• Example: Every member of the team has a sales quota they need to meet each month.

• A limited quantity of a particular product which under official controls can be produced, exported, or imported.
• Example: The government has imposed quotas on the import of foreign cars to protect the domestic industry.