# provision

/pɹəˈvɪʒən/ (US) · /pɹəvˈɪʒən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/provision
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the act of providing

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 2. a legal rule

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- Under the provisions of the contract, the tenant must pay for any repairs.
- The new legislation includes a provision that allows small businesses to apply for tax exemptions during their first three years of operation.

### 3. supplies of food

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The hikers carried enough provisions to last them for a week in the mountains.
- The expedition was forced to turn back after their provisions were contaminated by damp conditions in the cargo hold.

### 4. money set aside

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The bank made a large provision for bad debts during the financial crisis.
- The company increased its provision for legal costs in anticipation of a lengthy court battle regarding patent infringement.

### 5. to supply food

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to supply someone or something with food and necessary equipment.

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

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

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- It takes about ten minutes to provision a new virtual server in the cloud.
- The IT department automated the process to provision new employee accounts, ensuring all necessary software is installed before their first day.

## Examples

- The government is responsible for the provision of healthcare.
- Under the terms of the contract, there is a specific provision for early termination if the project is delayed.
- The rapid expansion of the city has outpaced the provision of essential infrastructure, leading to significant congestion and a strain on public utilities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.