English Explanatory Dictionary

postcode lottery

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The unequal availability or quality of services, especially public services such as healthcare or education, in different parts of the country.

Pronunciation

/ˌpəʊs(t)kəʊd ˈlɒtəɹi/ /-ˈlɒtɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-postcode lottery.wav /ˌpoʊs(t)ˌkoʊd ˈlɑtɚi/ [-ɾɚ-]

Word forms

postcode lottery postcode lotteries

Etymology

From postcode (“a sequence of letters and numbers added to a postal address to aid the sorting and delivery of post or mail; a region denoted by a postcode”) + lottery (“something decided by chance”), referring to the fact that whether one is in a locality which receives adequate services is a matter of chance.

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