redistribution

American  

[ree-dis-truh-byoo-shuhn] / ˌri dɪs trəˈbyu ʃən /

noun

1. a distribution performed again or anew.

2. Economics. the theory, policy, or practice of lessening or reducing inequalities in income through such measures as progressive income taxation and antipoverty programs.

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redistribution British  

/ ˌriːdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act or instance of distributing or the state or manner of being distributed again

2. a periodic revision of the number of seats in the House of Commons, made to reflect changes in population

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redistribution Cultural  

1. Any process, such as inflation or taxation or the provision of social services, that reallocates household income.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• redistributional
  adjective
• redistributory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of redistribution

First recorded in 1830–40; re- + distribution

Explanation

If your boss gives all your coworkers a hundred dollars, but only gives you a nickel, you might ask for a redistribution — another try at dividing things up, and hopefully with more cash for you this time. Here, the suffix re- means “once more,” and the Latin root of distribute translates to “divide up.” To divide up something one more time, that’s redistribution. Often redistribution refers to money being spread out more evenly so everyone can have the same amount. In a society where the poor keep getting poorer, and the rich have more money than ever, a plan for the redistribution of wealth would be a welcome idea. Unless you’re rich.

Example Sentences

The EU has long relied upon subsidies and redistribution to assuage the impact from disruptions caused by reducing internal trade barriers, as well as to help integrate poorer nations as the bloc has expanded east.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

With less income redistribution, local governments in Malmö and elsewhere are being squeezed as central government funding has fallen, making it harder to deliver public services like education, said Malmö Mayor Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

“We have undertaken significant redistribution of fuels to offset shortages in the Middle East, and are securing alternative sources from different locations and suppliers,” the company said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Shane Dorsett, chief operating officer at The Felix Project, said the food redistribution charity was feeling the effects of higher energy and fuel prices because of the conflict in the Middle East.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Their economy is based on reciprocal exchanges between individuals or families, rather than on a redistribution of tribute paid to some central authority.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond