reallocate

verb

re·​al·​lo·​cate (ˌ)rē-ˈa-lə-ˌkāt 

reallocated; reallocating; reallocates

transitive verb

: to allocate (something) again: such as

a

: to apportion or distribute (something) in a new or different way

The best way to start an overhaul of the nation's statistical system would be to reallocate funds from the Agriculture Department to other agencies.

—Joseph Spiers

b

: to earmark or designate (something) for a new or different purpose

In recent years, many local low-income housing units … have been demolished or reallocated to serve wealthier residents.

—Hannah Russell

reallocation

(ˌ)rē-ˌa-lə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

plural reallocations

… the reallocation of local property taxes from library budgets to school districts …

—Ruth Perry

The reallocation for overflow parking could take away as many as 75 spots from resident students during its allotted hours …

—Emma Reith

Examples of reallocate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, in the wake of the referendum question’s failure, the board considered a hiring freeze, reallocated sales tax revenue toward its general fund and asked its departments and offices to cut costs. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

Of those lacking space, dozens of schools have a solution in place — such as an annex that’s already planned, a capital project that’s already sited, or excess space in a building with several schools that can be reallocated — according to the plan. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Congress could also reallocate funds by shifting a larger share of payroll tax revenue to trust funds facing shortfalls. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 June 2026

If no candidate secures a 50% majority on the first ballot, the last-place candidate is eliminated and their voters' second choices are reallocated, likely to Platner or challenger David Costello. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above