subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-sə-dē 

-zə-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift of money: such as

a

: a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation

b

: money granted by one state to another

c

: a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• appropriation
• entitlement
• grant
• subvention

Examples of subsidy in a Sentence

The city is increasing subsidies for public transit.

government subsidies for farmers in case of crop failure

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the constant demands by wind, solar, and EV company executives for more and more government subsidies to sustain their failing business models, this reality could become disastrous for those rent-seeking industries in the coming years as the era of crony capitalism comes to a close. —David Blackmon, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Officials have vowed to sharply expand the subsidy program next year in addition to further monetary easing. —Dave Smith, Fortune Asia, 31 Dec. 2024

The State Council also announced a new subsidy system specifically for childbirth and called on local governments to implement maternity and childcare leave policies, as well as providing subsidies for births. —David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

This happens when a tariff’s implicit subsidy to production results in more jobs and higher wages, which in turn leads to an overall increase in total consumption. —Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subsidy

• anti-subsidy

Kids Definition

subsidy

noun

sub·​si·​dy ˈsəb-səd-ē 

-zəd-

plural subsidies

: a grant or gift especially of money

especially : a grant by a government to a private person or company or to another government to assist an undertaking thought helpful to the public