pro·vi·sion·al / prəˈvizhənl/ • adj. 1. arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later: a provisional government a provisional construction permit. ∎  (of a postage stamp) put into circulation temporarily, usually owing to the unavailability of the definitive issue.2. (Provisional) of or relating to the unofficial wings of the Irish Republican Army and Sinn Fein established in 1969 and advocating terrorism.• n. 1. a provisional postage stamp.2. (Provisional) a member of the Provisional wings of the Irish Republican Army or Sinn Fein.DERIVATIVES: pro·vi·sion·al·i·ty / prəˌvizhəˈnalətē/ n.pro·vi·sion·al·ly / -zhənl-ē/ adv.

PROVISIONAL

Temporary; not permanent. Tentative, contingent, preliminary.

A provisional civil service appointment is a temporary position that fills a vacancy until a test can be properly administered and statutory requirements can be fulfilled to make a permanent appointment.