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

The Space Force reallocated the land around LZs-1 and 2 to a pair of small rocket companies in 2023. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025

In one case, a configuration agent reallocated distribution center stock and supplier orders ahead of a hurricane. —Mikko Karkkainen, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The firm suggests reallocating from stocks into select bonds since equity valuations have soared. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025

More than $12 million is being reallocated from other Will Rogers Memorial Center projects, using money that was earmarked in 2023. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above