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

• allocate
• allot
• allow
• assign
• distribute
• lot
• ration

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

At the Pink Pony Club, everyone will be apportioned one pair of bright-white plastic buck teeth and a tube of super glue. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025

On the other side are Republican negotiators, who say the president has certain powers of flexibility in deciding where to apportion federal funds. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 28 Feb. 2025

While blame is apportioned out — in the courts or elsewhere — fashion is still working out what comes next. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025

State health departments were notified Monday that the funds, apportioned during the COVID-19 pandemic, would be terminated immediately, according to The Times. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025

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