Word
provision
Phoneticspro·vi·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈvɪʒən/
UK/pɹəvˈɪʒən/
Definitions
01the act of providing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
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.
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a legal rule
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
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.
“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.”
Synonyms
03supplies of food
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
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.
“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.”
04money set aside
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Accounting Technical
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.
“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.”
05to supply food
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to supply someone or something with food and necessary equipment.
v. 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.”
06to set up a computer system
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
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.
“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.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “provision” in context.
Verb
01. make provision for the future
“The couple decided to make provision for the future by investing in a private pension scheme.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. violate a provision of the treaty
“The government was accused of violating a key provision of the international treaty.”
verb + noun + of + noun
Adjective
03. adequate provision
“The school must ensure adequate provision for students with special educational needs.”
adj + noun
04. statutory provision
“Under the current statutory provision, all employees are entitled to paid maternity leave.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. healthcare provision
“There are significant regional disparities in healthcare provision across the country.”
noun + noun
06. provision of services
“The council is responsible for the provision of essential services like waste collection.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
07. under the provisions of the act
“Under the provisions of the act, the police have the power to search the premises.”
prep + noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- 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
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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