What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
procurement
Example
The procurement department is responsible for sourcing and acquiring materials for production. [procurement: noun]
Example
The company's procurement strategy focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing. [procurement: noun]
purchasing
Example
I am purchasing a new laptop for work. [purchasing: verb]
Example
The purchasing manager negotiated a better price with the supplier. [purchasing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Purchasing is more commonly used in everyday language than procurement. Purchasing is a more general term that can be used in personal and business contexts, while procurement is more specific to business and organizational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between procurement and purchasing?
Procurement is a more formal term than purchasing. It is often used in business and organizational contexts, while purchasing can be used in both formal and informal situations.