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
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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
In order to correct the deficiencies wrought by fire, copious inputs of compost are a prerequisite for bringing soil back to health.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
In tapping the former interior minister, Moïse needed to issue a presidential order overriding a law that set a prerequisite for running.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
So Far For emerging authors, brand-building has become a prerequisite rather than an option.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025
Uncertainty and Labor Algorithmic expertise has becomes something of a prerequisite for creators.
—Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prerequisite 
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Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
In tapping the former interior minister, Moïse needed to issue a presidential order overriding a law that set a prerequisite for running.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
So Far For emerging authors, brand-building has become a prerequisite rather than an option.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025
Uncertainty and Labor Algorithmic expertise has becomes something of a prerequisite for creators.
—Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
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 21 Feb. 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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