provision
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of giving or making something available for people to use.
n.the action of providing or supplying something for use; often used in the context of public services or social support.
Simple“The local government is responsible for the provision of clean water to all residents.”
In context“The report criticises the inadequate provision of mental health services in rural areas, highlighting a significant gap between policy and practice.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a specific rule or statement in a law or a legal agreement.
n.a condition or requirement in a legal document, treaty, or contract that specifies how a particular matter must be handled.
Simple“Under the provisions of the contract, the tenant must pay for any repairs.”
In context“The new legislation includes a provision that allows small businesses to apply for tax exemptions during their first three years of operation.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.supplies of food and drink, especially for a long trip.
n.supplies of food, drink, or equipment, typically prepared for a journey or a period of scarcity.
Simple“The hikers carried enough provisions to last them for a week in the mountains.”
In context“The expedition was forced to turn back after their provisions were contaminated by damp conditions in the cargo hold.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.money that a company keeps separate to pay for a future cost.
n.an amount set aside out of profits or other sources for a known liability or a future expense whose exact amount is uncertain.
Simple“The bank made a large provision for bad debts during the financial crisis.”
In context“The company increased its provision for legal costs in anticipation of a lengthy court battle regarding patent infringement.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to supply someone or something with food and necessary equipment.
v.to supply a person, group, or vehicle with necessary stores or equipment.
Simple“The ship was fully provisioned and ready to sail across the ocean.”
In context“The logistics team worked around the clock to provision the remote research station before the winter storms arrived.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
v.to set up a computer or a user account so it is ready to use.
v.to configure or provide a user with access to data and technology resources, or to prepare a server with necessary software.
Simple“It takes about ten minutes to provision a new virtual server in the cloud.”
In context“The IT department automated the process to provision new employee accounts, ensuring all necessary software is installed before their first day.”
Synonymsconfigureset upAntonymsdeprovision
“The provisions included nearly 500 new tents, a similar number of tarpaulins, thousands of bedding items and thousands of solar lanterns to keep people safer at night.”
“First, care provision has been regarded by governments as a domestic responsibility, overwhelmingly women’s work.”
From Middle English provisioun, from Old French provisïon, from Latin prōvīsiō (“preparation, foresight”), from prōvidēre (“provide”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.