prerequisite

American  

[pri-rek-wuh-zit, pree-] / prɪˈrɛk wə zɪt, pri- /

adjective

1. required beforehand.

   a prerequisite fund of knowledge.

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noun

1. something prerequisite.

   A visa is still a prerequisite for travel in many countries.

   Synonyms:

   precondition, essential, requisite, requirement

prerequisite British  

/ priːˈrɛkwɪzɪt /

adjective

1. required as a prior condition

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noun

1. something required as a prior condition

Etymology

Origin of prerequisite

First recorded in 1625–35; pre- + requisite

Compare meaning

How does prerequisite compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• requisite vs. prerequisite

Example Sentences

Today, earning at least six figures has become a prerequisite for most home buyers in the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 31, 2026

Around 80 to 100 people apply to join the Sirius patrol each year, with the only prerequisite being completion of Denmark's basic military training.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Reliability isn’t a political preference; it is a prerequisite for modern life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

In U.S. politics, authenticity is treated as a prerequisite, despite it never really being defined.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

Indeed, the more one considers it, the more obvious it seems: association with a truly distinguished household is a prerequisite of 'greatness'.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• essential
• must
• precondition
• qualification
• requirement
• requisite