apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən 

apportioned; apportioning ə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to divide and share out according to a plan

especially : to make a proportionate division or distribution of

Representatives are apportioned among the states.

apportionable

ə-ˈpȯr-shə-nə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms of apportion

• allot
• assign
• allocate
• distribute

Examples of apportion in a Sentence

The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendants.

Apportion the expenses between the parties involved.

The agency apportions water from the lake to residents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because the tax was not apportioned among the states as the Constitution required, those provisions were unconstitutional. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

But state corporation taxes are apportioned based on where customers are located, not on where the company is based, as Isaaks explained in a report published on Tuesday. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Of the defendants, Cesar Morales was apportioned 60% of the fault, Arnold Morales 20% of the fault, Alvarez 5% of the fault and Harrison 15% of the fault. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

In its verdict, the jury apportioned 88% of the fault to The University of Kansas Hospital Authority and only 12% to LivaNova, which put LivaNova’s share of the damages at $918,000. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French aporcioner, apporcioner "to divide up, assess (a tax)," (also continental Middle French apporcionner), borrowed from Medieval Latin apportiōnāre, from Latin ap- ap- entry 1 + Medieval Latin portiōnāre "to divide into portions" — more at portion entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing apportion

• apportion blame

Rhymes for apportion

• abortion
• contortion
• distortion
• extortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

Kids Definition

apportion

verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpōr-shən 

-ˈpȯr-

apportioned; apportioning -sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to divide and distribute in proportion

apportionment

-shən-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

apportion

transitive verb

ap·​por·​tion ə-ˈpȯr-shən 

: to make a usually proportionate division or distribution of (an amount due) according to a plan: as

a

: to divide (an amount due in tax or other liability) among the parties responsible for respective shares of the payment compare contribution

b

: to assign (a portion of the consideration agreed to in a contract) as payment for the other party's partial performance

c

: to distribute (corporate dividends) based on some proportion

d

: to assign (legislative representatives and taxes) among the states as provided by law

apportionable adjective

apportionment noun