Definition

Noun: 1. The set of necessary items or tools for a particular purpose or activity: "Equipment" refers to the collection of objects, devices, or machinery needed to carry out a specific task, operation, or function. 2. The process or action of supplying such items: In a less common usage, it can refer to the act of equipping or being equipped.

Usage

"Equipment" is a non-count (uncountable) noun. It refers to items collectively and is not used with 'a' or in a plural form. To specify a single item, use "a piece of equipment" or "an item of equipment." * Correct: The laboratory has modern equipment. We need to buy new equipment. This is a useful piece of equipment. * Incorrect: We need new equipments. This is an equipment.

Examples

• General Use:
  • The firefighter checked all his equipment before entering the building.
  • The company invested in new office equipment, including computers and printers.
  • Camping equipment like tents and sleeping bags is essential for the trip.
• Specific Contexts:
  • The hospital's surgical equipment is state-of-the-art. (Medical)
  • The construction site was full of heavy equipment, such as cranes and bulldozers. (Industrial)
  • She packed her sports equipment for the gym. (Recreational)

Advanced Usage

• "State of equipment": The condition or quality of the tools and devices available.
  • The factory's productivity is limited by the poor state of its equipment.
• "To be ill-equipped": To lack the necessary tools, resources, or preparation for something.
  • The team was ill-equipped to handle the software crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Equip (verb): To supply with the necessary items.
  • The van was equipped with a GPS system.
• Equipped (adjective): Having the necessary items or qualities.
  • She is well-equipped for the leadership role.

Synonyms

• Apparatus: The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose, often used in scientific contexts.
• Gear: Informal term for equipment, especially for a specific activity (e.g., climbing gear, fishing gear).
• Kit: A set of articles or equipment needed for a specific purpose, often packed together.
• Tools: Implements used to carry out a particular function, often handheld.

Related Phrases

• Safety equipment: Items designed to protect the user from injury (e.g., helmets, gloves).
  • Wearing proper safety equipment is mandatory on site.
• Standard equipment: Items that are included as a basic part of something.
  • Air conditioning is standard equipment on this model of car.

Noun

1. an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service