appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating something

2

: something that has been appropriated

specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use

the city's appropriation for schools

appropriative

ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms of appropriation

• subsidy
• grant
• allotment

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a classic appropriation of what would be a very important national milestone. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026

Republicans also celebrated the avoidance of a massive, catchall funding bill known as an omnibus as part of this year’s appropriations process. —Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Congress must refuse to let pass any DHS appropriations bill that increases its funding and fails to include measures to prevent its abuses of power. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

And this year, many of the key budget decisions will be made outside the formal appropriations process. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for appropriation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of appropriating

2

: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use