quota

noun

quo·​ta ˈkwō-tə How to pronounce quota (audio)
1
: a proportional part or share
especially : the share or proportion assigned to each in a division or to each member of a body
2
: the number or amount constituting a proportional share
3
: a fixed number or percentage of minority group members or women needed to meet the requirements of affirmative action

Examples of quota in a Sentence

The agency imposes strict fishing quotas. The company has imposed quotas on hiring. He lost his driver's license because he exceeded the quota of traffic violations. The department set new sales quotas in January.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Increasing demand, greater awareness of ADHD leading to more diagnoses, manufacturer delays and drug quota limits are all factors for the shortage, but widespread solutions are currently at an impasse. Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 McVay is not convinced, however, that protectionist quotas are the answer, meaning the production community is unlikely to lobby for them in a meaningful way. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024 The Washington Examiner reported in September that the DEA, which is in charge of setting drug allotment quotas, has been largely uncooperative to congressional requests to alleviate the shortage. Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Oct. 2024 Working on the floor is physically demanding, and the daily quotas and focus on punctuality by clocking in undoubtedly shapes your work ethic. Amanda Kavanagh | This Column Was Created By Jobbio, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quota 

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin quota pars how great a part

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quota was in 1618

Dictionary Entries Near quota

Cite this Entry

“Quota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quota. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

quota

noun
quo·​ta ˈkwōt-ə How to pronounce quota (audio)
1
: a share or part assigned to each member of a group
2
: the number or amount making up a quota

Legal Definition

quota

noun
quo·​ta ˈkwō-tə How to pronounce quota (audio)
1
: a proportional part or share assigned to each in a body
2
: a specific amount that serves as a minimum or maximum
a law against traffic ticket quotas
Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin quota pars how great a part

More from Merriam-Webster on quota

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!