Word
procure
Phoneticspro·cure, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹoʊkˈjʊɹ/
UK/pɹəkjˈɔː/
Definitions
01to obtain with effort
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to get something that is difficult to find or requires special effort.
v. to obtain or acquire something, typically with particular care or effort. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“The chef managed to procure fresh truffles for the special dinner.”
“The department was tasked to procure high-grade raw materials from international suppliers despite the ongoing trade restrictions.”
02illegal solicitation
C2 · Proficiency Law Technical · Formal
v. to find a prostitute for someone else.
v. to obtain a person for the purpose of prostitution. Transitive — carries specific criminal implications in legal contexts.
“He was arrested for attempting to procure young women for the club.”
“The defendant was charged with conspiracy to procure individuals for illegal sex work across state lines.”
03to cause or bring about
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Formal
v. to make something happen through effort.
v. to bring about or cause to happen, especially by careful planning or influence.
“She tried to procure a peaceful solution to the family argument.”
“The diplomat worked tirelessly to procure a ceasefire before the winter set in.”
Antonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. It is more formal than 'get' or 'buy' and often appears in business or legal contexts.
Real-World Examples
“In 2020 , as part of the National Security Space Launch program, the US Space Force procured dozens of Vulcan launches for military missions.” “I work as a bid manager in the third sector, applying for publicly procured contracts to deliver employment and support services.” Etymology
From Middle English procuren, from Old French procurer, from Late Latin prōcūrāre (“to manage, administer”), from prō (“on behalf of”) + cūrō (“to care for”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/procure