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

Colorado officials are reallocating money not used to clear snow over the winter due to the record-low snowpack. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 21 June 2026

The only plan voters supported in 2006 did not involve a tax increase and instead reallocated an existing bus tax. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above