C1noun formal 10K+

Quota

UK //ˈkwəʊtə// US //ˈkwoʊtə// Pronunciation

Definition

A fixed share or limit of something that is allowed or required.

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In simple words: A limit on how much of something can be done or made.

Examples

• The company set a quota of 100 units per day for each worker.
• She exceeded her sales quota for the month, earning a bonus.
• There is a quota on how many fish can be caught in this area.
• The government imposed a quota to control immigration numbers.
• Meeting the production quota is essential for the factory's success.

Usage notes

Used mostly in formal contexts, especially in business or organizational settings. Avoid in casual conversations.

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Grammar pattern

quota + of something

Memory hint

Think of 'quota' as a 'quota-t' for pizza; you can't eat more than your share!

Collocations

• sales quota
• production quota
• job quota
• quota system
• export quota

Synonyms

• limit
• allowance
• allocation
• share
• percentage

Antonyms

• unlimited
• no restriction
• free-for-all

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'quote'. 'Quota' refers to limits, while 'quote' relates to citing or pricing.
• Incorrectly used in plural form, should be 'quotas' when referring to multiple limits.