noun

quota

/ˈkwoʊtə/ · say it: KWOH·tuh

a fixed target or share, as in sales

In more detail

1. (noun) a fixed amount or share of something that a person or group is allowed to have or is expected to do

2. (noun) a limited number of people from a particular group who are allowed to do something, often as a way to ensure fairness

Examples

1. Each salesperson must meet their monthly sales quota.
2. The university increased its quota for international students.

How to use quota

Quota typically refers to an officially set limit or proportional share, often in commercial, political, or administrative contexts. It frequently carries implications of fairness or necessity rather than preference, distinguishing it from similar words like allocation which is more neutral about the underlying purpose.

Common phrases

import quota
quota system
meet one's quota
exceed a quota
sales quota
strict quota

Synonyms

allocation · share · portion · allowance · ration

Word family

quotas (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse quota with quote; quota is about amounts or proportions, while quote refers to a price estimate or a cited passage.

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