- 1[uncountable, countable, usually singular] the act of supplying somebody with something that they need or want; something that is supplied housing provision The government is responsible for the provision of health care. There is no provision for anyone to sit down here. The provision of specialist teachers is being increased. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivefederal, private, state, … prepositionprovision of See full entry
- 2[uncountable, countable] provision for somebody/something preparations that you make for something that might or will happen in the future He had already made provisions for (= planned for the financial future of) his wife and children before the accident. You should make provision for things going wrong. Small businesses are advised to make adequate provisions against bad debts. The plans for developing the area include provision for both water and field sports. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivefull, adequate, detailed, … verb + provisionmake, contain, include, … provision + verbapply, allow something, require something, … prepositionprovision against, provision for See full entry
- 3provisions [plural] supplies of food and drink, especially for a long journey We have enough provisions to last us two weeks. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verb + provisionsbuy, stock up on, stock up with, … See full entry
- 4[countable] a condition or an arrangement in a legal document Under the provisions of the lease, the tenant is responsible for repairs. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivefull, adequate, detailed, … verb + provisionmake, contain, include, … provision + verbapply, allow something, require something, … prepositionprovision against, provision for See full entry See related entries: Legal documents see also provide Word Originlate Middle English (also in the sense ‘foresight’): via Old French from Latin provisio(n-), from providere ‘foresee, attend to’, from pro- ‘before’ + videre ‘to see’. The verb dates from the early 19th cent.Extra examples Several companies are responsible for the provision of cleaning services. The Act contains detailed provisions for appeal against the court’s decision. The law contained a sunset provision, requiring Congress to re-authorize it in 2008. The same provisions apply to foreign-owned companies. They had made all kinds of provisions against bad weather. We went into town to stock up on provisions. provisions contained in the contract He had already made provisions for his children before the accident. Specific provisions had been made for foreign nationals. The company had made provisions against falls in land prices. You need to make adequate provision for your retirement. educational/housing provision
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