prerequisite
noun
pre·req·ui·site
(ˌ)prē-ˈre-kwə-zət 
: something that is necessary to an end or to the carrying out of a function
prerequisite
adjective
Did you know?
Prerequisite is partly based on requirere, the Latin verb meaning "to need or require". So a prerequisite can be anything that must be accomplished or acquired before something else can be done. Possessing a valid credit card is a prerequisite for renting a car. A physical exam may be a prerequisite for receiving a life-insurance policy. And successful completion of an introductory course is often a prerequisite for enrolling in a higher-level course.
Examples of prerequisite in a Sentence
Future greatness does not always inspire popularity. Coolness, in the high-school or hip sense of the word, is not a prerequisite for leadership.
—
Evan Thomas, Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2004
… opposition to the totalitarian threat was the prerequisite for membership in American liberalism because communism was the defining moral challenge of the age.
—Peter Beinart, New Republic, 13 Dec. 2004
But old-school Andy lacks a skill that may soon be a prerequisite for 21st-century detective work: knowing how to glean secrets from a suspect's hard drive.
—Daniel McGinn, Newsweek, 23 Sept. 2002
Evan Thomas, Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2004
… opposition to the totalitarian threat was the prerequisite for membership in American liberalism because communism was the defining moral challenge of the age.
—Peter Beinart, New Republic, 13 Dec. 2004
But old-school Andy lacks a skill that may soon be a prerequisite for 21st-century detective work: knowing how to glean secrets from a suspect's hard drive.
—Daniel McGinn, Newsweek, 23 Sept. 2002
Recent Examples on the Web
Silver had said that signing a new media deal and a labor agreement were prerequisites for NBA expansion.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 18 Dec. 2024
In Sudan, political stability is a prerequisite for lasting stability in the region.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
These credentials are prerequisites for certain roles and add value to careers.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
If your aim is to advance within your current industry or transition to a new one where an MBA is a prerequisite, the degree can be a valuable asset.
—Cicely Jones, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prerequisite 
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Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 18 Dec. 2024
In Sudan, political stability is a prerequisite for lasting stability in the region.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
These credentials are prerequisites for certain roles and add value to careers.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
If your aim is to advance within your current industry or transition to a new one where an MBA is a prerequisite, the degree can be a valuable asset.
—Cicely Jones, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prerequisite
Dictionary Entries Near prerequisite
Cite this Entry
“Prerequisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prerequisite. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prerequisite
noun
pre·req·ui·site
(ˈ)prē-ˈrek-wə-zət
: something required beforehand or necessary as preparation for something else
the course is a prerequisite for advanced study
prerequisite
adjective
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