pro rated
Pro rated (adjective) means Adjusted in proportion to the part of a period or quantity that actually applies, rather than charged or paid in full. Example: “If you cancel mid-month you get a pro rated refund.”
How to Use Pro rated
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOnly the fair share is charged or paid, based on how much of the period you used.
Chiefly American. The one-word spelling prorated is the more usual form; pro-rated with a hyphen is also seen.
British writers usually say pro rata where Americans say prorated.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
If you cancel mid-month you get a _____ refund.
Etymology
From prorate, formed from the Latin phrase pro rata "according to the rate".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related Words
Rhymes for pro rated
See all rhymes for pro rated →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it "pro rated" or "prorated"?
Prorated as one word is the standard spelling in American English and in most style guides. Pro rated and pro-rated appear informally but look like errors in edited writing.
How is a pro rated refund calculated?
You divide the amount paid by the full period covered, then multiply by the portion left unused. On a £120 annual plan cancelled after three months, nine unused months give a refund of £90.