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
The patient registry requirement is also a prerequisite for reimbursement.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The idea that the escalator was headed up — and hopefully for years to come — with a talented, hungry team and a rookie quarterback who has all the prerequisites to be an NFL star?
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
That's because the PAC is requiring registration as a prerequisite to become eligible for the $1 million check.
—CBS News, 21 Oct. 2024
Switch Archetypes Often The great thing about Metaphor’s archetypes system is that any character can assume any role with the right prerequisites.
—Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2024
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.
Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The idea that the escalator was headed up — and hopefully for years to come — with a talented, hungry team and a rookie quarterback who has all the prerequisites to be an NFL star?
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
That's because the PAC is requiring registration as a prerequisite to become eligible for the $1 million check.
—CBS News, 21 Oct. 2024
Switch Archetypes Often The great thing about Metaphor’s archetypes system is that any character can assume any role with the right prerequisites.
—Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 14 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 23 Nov. 2024.
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