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procurement

pruh-KYOOR-munt /prəˈkjʊərmənt/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalbusinessgovernment

The action of obtaining or acquiring something, especially with care and effort.

Often used in business, government, or military contexts to refer to the formal process of acquiring goods, services, or equipment, usually through contracts or tenders.

The story behind the word. The word 'procurement' comes from the Latin verb 'procurare,' meaning 'to take care of, to manage, to look after.' It's formed from 'pro-' (for) and 'cura' (care). In English, 'procure' emerged in the 14th century meaning to obtain something, especially with effort. The noun 'procurement' followed, solidifying its meaning as the formal act or process of obtaining supplies or services.

Word relationships

acquisition: Can be used interchangeably, but 'procurement' often emphasizes the process of obtaining.
purchase: A more general term for buying something.
obtainment: Less common, more formal, and broader than 'procurement'.

disposal: The action or process of getting rid of something.
divestment: The action or process of selling off subsidiary business interests or investments.

Word family

procure (verb): To obtain (something), especially with care or effort.
procurer (noun): One who procures.

Collocations

defense procurement
military procurement
strategic procurement
public procurement
procurement process

Example sentences

"The government announced a new procurement program for advanced fighter jets, expected to cost billions over the next decade." Government defense spending.
"Efficient procurement of raw materials is crucial for maintaining competitive pricing in manufacturing." Business operations.

Memory hook

Think of 'pro-cure-ment' as 'pro-curing' (obtaining) something with great 'care' and 'effort'. Obtaining supplies

When not to use

For simple buying, 'purchase' or 'acquisition' are usually sufficient. 'Procurement' implies a more involved, often bureaucratic, process.

Fun facts

Government procurement processes are often highly regulated to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, especially for large defense contracts.