necessary condition

Cultural  

1. In mathematics, a condition that must be satisfied for a statement to be true, but that does not in and of itself make it true. For example, a necessary condition to become president of the United States is that a candidate be over thirty-five years of age, but just being over thirty-five does not make one president.

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Example Sentences

The necessary condition for Powell to leave is to clear up the legal matters.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

But military analysts say clearing them is a necessary condition for ships to be able to sail again through the middle of the strategic waterway rather than the slower and more congested Iranian routes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

"Reducing inflation was a necessary condition, but it is not sufficient."

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

And so it's not a sufficient condition, but it's a necessary condition.

From Salon • May 25, 2024

“You do understand that a necessary condition for ambush is surprise?”

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor