ClimateAugust 15, 2026

overallocated

oh-ver-AL-uh-kay-ted

Definition

Describes a resource that has been assigned or committed for use in an amount that exceeds what is actually available.

Etymology

Formed from the prefix 'over-', meaning 'excessive,' and 'allocate,' which comes from the Latin 'allocare,' meaning 'to assign to a place' or 'to set aside.'

In the news

The article uses this word to describe the Colorado River, noting that the 1922 compact granted more water usage rights to states than the river actually provides, which is central to the current water crisis.

Can a Dam Expansion Hold Back Climate Considerations on the Colorado River?

Read the full article ↗

Inside Climate News

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