What does "provision" mean?

1. (the act of providing) the act of giving or making something available for people to use. 2. (a legal rule) a specific rule or statement in a law or a legal agreement. 3. (supplies of food) supplies of food and drink, especially for a long trip. 4. (money set aside) money that a company keeps separate to pay for a future cost. 5. (to supply food) to supply someone or something with food and necessary equipment. 6. (to set up a computer system) to set up a computer or a user account so it is ready to use.

How do you use "provision"?

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

provision

n. · v.

US //pɹəˈvɪʒən// UK //pɹəvˈɪʒən// pro·vi·sion

1 the act of providing (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of giving or making something available for people to use.

the action of providing or supplying something for use; often used in the context of public services or social support.

Example

The local government is responsible for the provision of clean water to all residents.

Example

The report criticises the inadequate provision of mental health services in rural areas, highlighting a significant gap between policy and practice.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
- removal
- withdrawal
2 a legal rule (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

a specific rule or statement in a law or a legal agreement.

a condition or requirement in a legal document, treaty, or contract that specifies how a particular matter must be handled.

Example

Under the provisions of the contract, the tenant must pay for any repairs.

Example

The new legislation includes a provision that allows small businesses to apply for tax exemptions during their first three years of operation.
- clause
- stipulation
- requirement

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3 supplies of food (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

supplies of food and drink, especially for a long trip.

supplies of food, drink, or equipment, typically prepared for a journey or a period of scarcity.

Example

The hikers carried enough provisions to last them for a week in the mountains.

Example

The expedition was forced to turn back after their provisions were contaminated by damp conditions in the cargo hold.
4 money set aside (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Accounting

money that a company keeps separate to pay for a future cost.

an amount set aside out of profits or other sources for a known liability or a future expense whose exact amount is uncertain.

Example

The bank made a large provision for bad debts during the financial crisis.

Example

The company increased its provision for legal costs in anticipation of a lengthy court battle regarding patent infringement.
- reserve
- allowance
5 to supply food (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to supply someone or something with food and necessary equipment.

to supply a person, group, or vehicle with necessary stores or equipment.

Example

The ship was fully provisioned and ready to sail across the ocean.

Example

The logistics team worked around the clock to provision the remote research station before the winter storms arrived.
6 to set up a computer system (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

to set up a computer or a user account so it is ready to use.

to configure or provide a user with access to data and technology resources, or to prepare a server with necessary software.

Example

It takes about ten minutes to provision a new virtual server in the cloud.

Example

The IT department automated the process to provision new employee accounts, ensuring all necessary software is installed before their first day.
- configure
- set up
- deprovision

Origin

From Middle English provisioun, from Old French provisïon, from Latin prōvīsiō (“preparation, foresight”), from prōvidēre (“provide”).