provision

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
Español
Spanish
Русский
Russian
Français
French
Deutsch
German
Português
Portuguese
/prəˈvɪʒən/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A formal noun for supplying something, a legal clause, preparation for a future need, or an accounting amount for an expected liability or expense.
Practice using provision in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Accounting rules require a reliable estimate before recognizing a provision.
  • No provision had been made for extra guests.
  • The balance sheet included a restructuring provision.
  • The camp made provision for children with allergies.
  • The charity helped with the provision of clean water.

Similar words

reserve
clause
planning
preparation
delivery
expense provision
set-aside
requirement
furnishing
condition

Meanings

Supplying or providing

noun
everyday
formal
The act of supplying, providing, or making something available.

Examples

  • The charity helped with the provision of clean water.
  • The contract includes provision of training materials.
  • The city improved the provision of public transport.
  • The school is responsible for the provision of meals.
  • The plan covers the provision of emergency shelter.

Similar words

supply
supplying
providing
delivery
furnishing
availability

Preparation for future need

noun
everyday
formal
An arrangement, supply, or preparation made in advance for a future need, risk, or event.

Examples

  • They made provision for winter storms.
  • The budget includes provision for unexpected repairs.
  • Good planning requires provision for emergencies.
  • The camp made provision for children with allergies.
  • No provision had been made for extra guests.

Similar words

preparation
arrangement
allowance
reserve
foresight
planning

Accounting liability or allowance

noun
business
technical
In accounting, an amount recognized for a liability or expected expense whose timing or exact amount is uncertain.

Examples

  • The company recorded a provision for warranty claims.
  • The auditor reviewed the tax provision.
  • A loan-loss provision reduced quarterly profit.
  • Accounting rules require a reliable estimate before recognizing a provision.
  • The balance sheet included a restructuring provision.

Similar words

allowance
liability
reserve
accrual
set-aside
expense provision

Etymology

From Latin provisio, meaning foresight or preparation, from providere, to foresee or provide. The modern senses keep the ideas of supplying, arranging, and preparing in advance.

FAQ

What does provision mean?

It can mean supplying something, a legal clause, preparation for a future need, or an accounting amount for an expected liability.

What does provision of services mean?

It means the supplying or providing of services.

What is a contract provision?

It is a clause, condition, or requirement in a contract.

What does provision for emergencies mean?

It means preparation or arrangements made in advance for emergencies.

What is an accounting provision?

It is an amount recognized for an expected liability or expense whose timing or exact amount is uncertain.

Is provision countable?

It can be countable in legal uses, as in several provisions, and uncountable in supply uses.

How do you use provision in a sentence?

For example: The law includes a provision for appeal.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...