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
Trump would dispense with the peace processor’s shibboleth that a permanent settlement in Gaza and the West Bank was a prerequisite for regional stability.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 12 May 2025
This proves that coding alone is not a prerequisite for success.
—Dr. Fene Osakwe, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Getting the country’s finances in order is a prerequisite for long-term growth.
—Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 4 May 2025
While some companies have sold plug-in solar devices in the US without a UL listing, the company’s seal of approval typically is a prerequisite for selling products on the wider market.
—Akielly Hu, Wired News, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prerequisite
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noah Rothman, National Review, 12 May 2025
This proves that coding alone is not a prerequisite for success.
—Dr. Fene Osakwe, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Getting the country’s finances in order is a prerequisite for long-term growth.
—Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 4 May 2025
While some companies have sold plug-in solar devices in the US without a UL listing, the company’s seal of approval typically is a prerequisite for selling products on the wider market.
—Akielly Hu, Wired News, 3 May 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 21 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share