noun
provision
pruh-VIHZH-uhn
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."
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."
3
Money a business sets aside in its accounts to cover an expected future cost or loss.
"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."
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."
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
Word Forms
provisioned past tense, provisions plural, provisions singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “provision”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
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."