provision

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U,C,usually sing.] the act of supplying sb with sth that they need or want; sth that is supplied: educational / 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. 2 [U,C] ~ for sb/sth preparations that you make for sth 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. 3 (provisions) [pl.] supplies of food and drink, especially for a long journey: We have enough provisions to last us two weeks. 4 [C] a condition or an arrangement in a legal document: Under the provisions of the lease, the tenant is responsible for repairs. seealsoPROVIDE verb [VN] [oftenpassive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (formal) to supply sb/sth with enough of sth, especially food, to last for a particular period of time