Cool MateProvision vs Requirement
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Provision
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
Requirement
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Most common: Requirement
| Provision | Requirement | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkwaɪəmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkwaɪərmənt/"]/ |
| Meaning | A supply or arrangement for future needs. | Something you need or must have. |
| Example | The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community. | The job listing stated that a degree in engineering is a requirement for applicants. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | federal, private, state, provision of, full, adequate, detailed, make, contain, include, apply, allow something, require something, provision against, provision for, buy, stock up on, stock up with, full, adequate, detailed, make, contain, include, apply, allow something, require something, provision against, provision for | absolute, necessary, core, have, comply with, fit, for your requirement, to your requirement, requirement for, subject to the requirements (of something), surplus to requirements, absolute, necessary, core, have, comply with, fit, for your requirement, to your requirement, requirement for, subject to the requirements (of something), surplus to requirements |
| Antonyms | deprivation, deficit | option, choice, voluntary |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'provisions' as just food supplies., Used 'provision' when 'provide' is needed., Misunderstood as a verb instead of a noun. | Confused with 'require' — remember it's a noun, not a verb., Omitting articles — 'a requirement' instead of 'requirement'., Using 'requirements' mistakenly with plural agreements when singular is needed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'provision' when discussing supplies, especially in a formal context like law or business. It's less common in casual conversations. | Use 'requirement' in professional and educational contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless necessary. |
Frequently asked questions: Provision vs Requirement
What's the difference between Provision and Requirement?
Provision: A supply or arrangement for future needs. Requirement: Something you need or must have.
Which is more common: Provision and Requirement?
Requirement is the most common in everyday English.
Are Provision and Requirement the same CEFR level?
Provision: C1, Requirement: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Provision and Requirement interchangeably?
Not always. Provision and Requirement are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.