Definition of Quota
Quick Meaning of Quota
A goal or target amount that someone must reach. A sales person might have a quota of selling $100,000 worth of products per month.
Detailed Definition of Quota
A fixed amount or target that must be achieved, produced, or sold; a numerical or monetary goal assigned to an individual, team, or department for a specific period.
How to Pronounce Quota
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: KWO-tuh. Stress the first syllable KWO (as in 'quote'). The second syllable 'tuh' is quick and unstressed. Two syllables total.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it 'KWOH-tah' with both syllables equally stressed, or as 'kuh-OH-tuh' (three syllables). Always: KWO-tuh (two syllables, first stressed).
Origin and Etymology of Quota
From Latin 'quota pars' (how great a part). Introduced to English in the 1600s in various contexts (commerce, taxation, representation). In modern business, 'quota' became standard terminology for sales and production targets by the mid-20th century.
How to Use Quota in a Sentence
Each example shows “quota” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Each sales representative has a monthly quota of $50,000.”
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“The team exceeded their quota for the third quarter in a row.”
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“If you don't meet your quota, your bonus will be reduced.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Quota
Common Synonyms for Quota
Smart Synonyms for Quota — When to Use Each
- target
- More general; applies to any achievement goal
- goal
- Broader; less formal than quota
- allotment
- Emphasizes fixed share or portion
Common Collocations with Quota
These phrases pair with “quota” in everyday English:
- sales quota
- monthly quota
- meet a quota
- exceed a quota
- quota system
Common Mistakes When Using Quota
Even fluent speakers slip up with “quota”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The quota are very difficult to achieve.
- ✓ Correct: The quota is very difficult to achieve.
- Why: Quota is singular when referring to one target; use 'is' not 'are'. Plural quotas uses 'are'.
- ✗ Wrong: We need to accomplish the quota before the deadline of.
- ✓ Correct: We need to meet the quota before the deadline.
- Why: Use 'meet a quota' not 'accomplish the quota'. Also remove dangling 'of'.
- ✗ Wrong: The team quota were exceeded by 20 percent.
- ✓ Correct: The team quota was exceeded by 20 percent.
- Why: Singular subject 'quota' requires singular verb 'was', not 'were'.
Other Forms of Quota
- Noun: quota
Frequently Asked Questions About Quota
What is the meaning of "Quota"?
A goal or target amount that someone must reach. A sales person might have a quota of selling $100,000 worth of products per month.
How do you pronounce "Quota"?
The IPA is /ˈkwoʊtə/. KWO-tuh. Stress the first syllable KWO (as in 'quote'). The second syllable 'tuh' is quick and unstressed. Two syllables total.
What part of speech is "Quota"?
"Quota" is a noun at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Quota"?
Common synonyms include target, goal, allotment.
How do you use "Quota" in a sentence?
For example: "Each sales representative has a monthly quota of $50,000."