rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryprocurementObtaining goods or services
noun

procurement

pruh-KYOOR-munt/prəˈkjʊrmənt/

The process of obtaining goods, services, or supplies.

The procurement manager checks the delivered boxes against her list.

East Asian purchasing manager checks delivered boxes against a list.
Etymology
proLatinon behalf of
+cureLatintake care of
+mentOld Frenchaction or process

The idea of taking care of affairs underlies the earlier meaning “management, stewardship.” Through the broader sense of bringing something about, procurement came to name the organized process of obtaining supplies and equipment.

In context

Tim Fairley490:42
procurement is the process through which we acquire the external goods and services and subcontractors we need to deliver the project.
The COMPLETE Guide to Construction Project Management

More examples

  • A delay in procurement held up construction.
  • The contract followed the city's procurement rules.
  • She managed procurement for three factories.

Forms

procurement

procure verb — obtain

Similar words

purchase
A purchase is a buying transaction; procurement includes the broader process of obtaining supplies or services.
acquisition
Acquisition is obtaining something; procurement often refers to organized institutional purchasing.