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
Having good credit is a prerequisite to applying for a loan.
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
Trust is what every clubhouse is built upon, and integrity is a prerequisite for trust.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
Beckham’s philanthropy — generally a prerequisite for getting an honor from the royals — includes work with Unicef as well as the King’s Foundation, a charity working to educate young people about the importance of nature, of which Beckham became an ambassador in 2024.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
But employing one of those top-tier signal callers does not seem to be a prerequisite for contention.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The prerequisite for entering service was achieved last month.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prerequisite
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Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
Beckham’s philanthropy — generally a prerequisite for getting an honor from the royals — includes work with Unicef as well as the King’s Foundation, a charity working to educate young people about the importance of nature, of which Beckham became an ambassador in 2024.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
But employing one of those top-tier signal callers does not seem to be a prerequisite for contention.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The prerequisite for entering service was achieved last month.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 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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