provision
pruh-VIHZH-uhn
Provision (noun) means a supply of something needed for the future, especially food. Example: “The ship was stocked with enough provisions for a six-month voyage.”
noun
1
A supply of something needed for the future, especially food.
"The ship was stocked with enough provisions for a six-month voyage."
"They packed provisions for the long hike into the mountains."
"We bought extra provisions of rice and tinned beans before the winter storms arrived."
2
A specific clause or condition within a law, contract, or agreement.
"The lease includes a provision allowing early termination with 30 days notice."
"A provision in the new law requires companies to report data breaches."
"One provision in the contract says the tenant must give notice before moving out."
3
Money a business sets aside in its accounts to cover an expected future cost or loss.
"The accountant made a provision for the lawsuit in this year's accounts."
"A large provision for repairs reduced the company's reported profit."
"The bank increased its provision for bad debts this quarter."
verb
1
To supply someone or something with what is needed, especially food or equipment.
"The expedition was provisioned with dried food and extra fuel."
"The charity provisioned the shelter with blankets, tinned food and clean water."
"Before the long sail, they provisioned the boat with enough supplies for everyone."
2
In IT, to set up an account, device, or system so it is ready for a user.
"IT will provision your laptop with the standard company software before you start."
"The technician provisioned a new email account for every member of the team."
"Our department is provisioning twenty tablets so staff can use them on the first day."
How to use provision
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSupplies set aside for future use, a clause in a legal document, or (in tech/finance) preparing accounts, systems, or accounts for use.
Common pairings
make provision for
a provision in the contract
provision an account
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like provision.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- provisions
- Third person singular
- provisions
- Past tense
- provisioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ship was stocked with enough _____ for a six-month voyage.
Etymology
From Old French provision, from Latin provisio, "foresight, preparation" — from providere, "to see ahead, provide for."
Synonyms
View more →
stipulation
clause
condition
term
reserve
stockpile
supplying
planning
preparation
proviso
purvey
supply
Related words
Rhymes for provision
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for provision →
Frequently asked questions
What does “provision” mean?
The word “provision” means a supply of something needed for the future, especially food. In plain terms, supplies set aside for future use, a clause in a legal document, or (in tech/finance) preparing accounts, systems, or accounts for use.
How do you pronounce “provision”?
“Provision” is pronounced pruh-VIHZH-uhn (/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “provision” in a sentence?
Here is “provision” used in a sentence: “The ship was stocked with enough provisions for a six-month voyage.”
What is another word for “provision”?
Words with a similar meaning to “provision” include supply and victual.
What part of speech is “provision”?
Depending on how it is used, “provision” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “provision” come from?
The word “provision” comes from Latin. From Old French provision, from Latin provisio, "foresight, preparation" — from providere, "to see ahead, provide for.".
Is “provision” a common word?
“Provision” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “provision” have?
“Provision” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a supply of something needed for the future, especially food.
What is the difference between a provision and a clause in a contract?
A provision is a specific condition or requirement within a law, contract, or agreement, focusing on what the parties must do. A clause is a distinct section of the document that contains such a provision, so a clause can hold one or more provisions.
What is the difference between provision and provisions?
In the singular, a provision most often means a specific condition within a law, contract, or agreement. In the plural, provisions usually means supplies of things needed for the future, especially food, so the plural often shifts the meaning.
What is the difference between a provision and a condition?
Both appear in legal and contractual language, but a provision is any specific clause or requirement stated in the agreement. A condition is a particular type of provision that something else depends on, meaning a stated outcome only applies if the condition is met.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include provision:
