adjective

prorated

proh-RAY-tid

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Prorated (adjective) means Calculated in proportion to the part of a billing period, salary period or quantity that actually applies, instead of the full amount. Example: “Your first invoice is prorated because you signed up on the 14th.”

adjective

Calculated in proportion to the part of a billing period, salary period or quantity that actually applies, instead of the full amount.

"Your first invoice is prorated because you signed up on the 14th."

"Vacation days are prorated for employees hired mid-year."

verb

Past tense of prorate: to divide or charge something in proportion.

"The landlord prorated the rent for the eleven days she stayed."

How to use prorated

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishYou only pay or get the share that matches the time or amount actually used.

When to use it

Chiefly American English; standard in billing, payroll and subscription services.

Memory tip

Most subscription services prorate the first bill but not the last, so cancelling early often forfeits the rest of the month.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prorated vs pro rata prorated vs partial refund

Common pairings

prorated refund prorated rent prorated charge prorated amount

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “prorated” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Your first invoice is _____ because you signed up on the 14th.

Etymology

Past participle of prorate, coined from the Latin phrase pro rata "according to the rate".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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proportional apportioned scaled pro rata divided proportionally

Antonyms

full-price flat-rate

Related words

relative sized graduated allocated comparative proportional scaled apportioned

Rhymes for prorated

dated sated hated elated heated seated treated related bloated belated agitated animated

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Frequently asked questions

What does prorated mean on a bill?

It means you are charged only for the portion of the billing period you actually used. Sign up halfway through a month on a £30 plan and the prorated first charge is about £15.

What is the difference between prorated and pro rata?

They mean the same thing. Prorated is the American verb-based form used of a specific amount already adjusted; pro rata is the Latin phrase, more common in British English, describing the basis of the calculation.

Is prorated rent based on 30 days or the actual month?

It depends on the lease. Some landlords divide the monthly rent by 30 regardless, others by the true number of days in that month, which changes the figure slightly. The lease should say which method applies.

What is the meaning of prorated?

"prorated" (adjective) means calculated in proportion to the part of a billing period, salary period or quantity that actually applies, instead of the full amount.

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relative sized graduated allocated comparative proportional scaled apportioned