Government Budgeting Terms

verb to allocate or distribute (a portion of something) to someone or something

• The committee will allot a specific amount of funding to each project.
• I'll allot some time this weekend to work on my presentation.
• I'll allot some cash for the concert tickets.
• She always seems to allot more energy to her work than to her personal life.

noun a portion or share of something that is allocated to a person or group

verb to allocate or distribute a portion or share of something

• The council approved the allocation of a new allotment for community gardening.
• I finally got my own allotment plot to grow vegetables in.
• I scored a sweet allotment space for my urban garden.
• She carefully managed her time like it was a limited allotment of resources.

noun an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time

verb to plan or allocate funds according to a budget

• The company needs to adhere to a strict budget in order to stay profitable.
• Let's make sure we don't overspend and stick to our budget.
• I'm on a tight budget this month, so I can't afford to go out to eat.
• His creativity knows no bounds when it comes to working within a limited budget.

noun A combination of the noun 'fiscal' (related to government revenue and spending) and the noun 'cliff' (a steep drop or decline), used metaphorically to describe a sudden and severe financial crisis.

• The country faced a looming fiscal cliff as the deadline for budget negotiations approached.
• I heard we might go over the fiscal cliff if they don't figure out a budget deal soon.
• We're on track to drive off the fiscal cliff if Congress doesn't get its act together.
• Their reckless spending habits are leading them straight towards a fiscal cliff.