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
With longstanding concerns around the processing and use of data in AI systems, delivering transparency is a prerequisite for building trust, safeguarding brand reputation and preparing for impending regulations.
—Mrinal Manohar, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Which honestly seems like a great prerequisite for his current gig - keeping a bunch of bulls and cowboys in line while entertaining the crowd.
—Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024
This is another positive trait and a prerequisite for any major shift to possibly play out.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
That’s because the PAC is requiring registration as a prerequisite to become eligible for the $1 million check.
—Mike Catalini, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prerequisite 
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Mrinal Manohar, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Which honestly seems like a great prerequisite for his current gig - keeping a bunch of bulls and cowboys in line while entertaining the crowd.
—Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024
This is another positive trait and a prerequisite for any major shift to possibly play out.
—Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
That’s because the PAC is requiring registration as a prerequisite to become eligible for the $1 million check.
—Mike Catalini, Fortune, 20 Oct. 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 11 Jan. 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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