stockpiling
stockpiling — noun
1. the activity of collecting and keeping large amounts of goods, food, or material
the activity of collecting and keeping large amounts of goods, food, or materials in reserve so they are available when needed in the future, especially during a shortage or emergency
The ministry warned that stockpiling of medical supplies could cause shortages in hospitals.
stockpiling + of + noun for what is stored
Sana's family prepared for the hurricane by stockpiling canned food and water in the basement.
Economists argue that stockpiling of grain by wealthy nations hurts small farmers in developing countries.
The company avoided price increases by careful stockpiling of materials before trade restrictions took effect.
During the pandemic, panic stockpiling left supermarket shelves empty across the city for several weeks.
- hoarding
more negative; suggests excessive or irrational collecting
- accumulation
more neutral; can refer to any gradual increase, not just of stored goods
- amassing
suggests building up a large quantity over time
- storage
focuses on keeping items in a place, not necessarily in large quantities
- distribution
giving out supplies rather than keeping them
- depletion
using up a supply instead of building it up
文法句型
stockpiling + of + noun
用法筆記
Can carry a neutral tone (emergency preparedness) or a slightly negative tone (panic buying, hoarding), depending on context. Frequently modified by adjectives such as 'widespread', 'panic', or 'careful'.
常見錯誤
stockpiling — verb
- stockpilingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- stockpilings3rd person singular
- stockpilinging-ing form
- stockpilingedpast simple
1. to put goods, materials, or supplies into a designated storage area or pile so t
to put goods, materials, or supplies into a designated storage area or pile so they can be used at a later time
The soldiers stockpiled ammunition in underground bunkers near the training base.
stockpile + noun + in + location
Felix stockpiled firewood behind the shed before the first winter storm arrived.
The museum stockpiled ancient artifacts in a climate-controlled vault before the renovation work began.
Workers stockpiled bags of cement on wooden pallets next to the construction site.
- distribute
to give out rather than put away
- disperse
to spread items across different locations
文法句型
stockpile + noun + in/on/at + location
用法筆記
The focus of this sense is the physical act of putting items into a specific storage location. The location is almost always stated or clearly implied. Distinguish from sense 2 (ACCUMULATE SUPPLIES), where the emphasis is on gradually gathering a large quantity over time rather than the act of placing items in a spot.
常見錯誤
2. to gradually collect and build up a large store of something over a period of ti
to gradually collect and build up a large store of something over a period of time, keeping it ready for future use
The charity stockpiled warm blankets and boots for families who lost homes in the flood.
stockpile + noun + for + purpose/recipient
Jin had been stockpiling art supplies for months before opening the studio downtown.
had been stockpiling — past perfect continuous for gradual build-up
The hospital stockpiled vaccines well before the start of the annual flu season.
Valentina stockpiled enough firewood to keep the cabin warm through the entire winter.
- accumulate
suggests gradual gathering over time; slightly more formal
- amass
implies building up a very large quantity, often wealth or resources
- collect
more general; does not necessarily imply large quantities or future use
文法句型
stockpile + noun
用法筆記
Focuses on the process of gradually building up a reserve, often stated or implied with a time span ('over months', 'before the season'). The exact storage location may not be mentioned; the emphasis is on the quantity being gathered rather than where it is kept. Distinguish from sense 1 (PLACE IN RESERVE), where the physical act of putting items somewhere is primary.