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
These goals are often complementary, and economists have argued that low inflation is a prerequisite for sustainable high levels of employment.
—Ana Carolina Garriga, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
While Caine does not meet prerequisites for the job set out in a 1986 law -- such as being a combatant commander or service chief -- those requirements can be waived by the president and lawmakers have noted his decades of service.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Apr. 2025
While Caine does not meet prerequisites for the job set out in a 1986 law — such as being a combatant commander or service chief — lawmakers noted his decades of service.
—Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
Boost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but there are a few prerequisites.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prerequisite
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Ana Carolina Garriga, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
While Caine does not meet prerequisites for the job set out in a 1986 law -- such as being a combatant commander or service chief -- those requirements can be waived by the president and lawmakers have noted his decades of service.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Apr. 2025
While Caine does not meet prerequisites for the job set out in a 1986 law — such as being a combatant commander or service chief — lawmakers noted his decades of service.
—Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
Boost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but there are a few prerequisites.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prerequisite
Cite this Entry
“Prerequisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prerequisite. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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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