Requirement: meaning, definitions and examples

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requirement

 

[ rɪˈkwaɪəmənt ]

Context #1 | Noun

job application

A thing that is needed or demanded.

Synonyms

condition, necessity, prerequisite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
requirement

Used when something is needed or necessary in a general sense, especially in documents, policies, or rules.

  • A degree is a basic requirement for this job
  • Meeting the requirement of the course will ensure you pass
necessity

Used when something is essential and cannot be done without. Often used to stress the importance of something.

  • Water is an absolute necessity for human survival
  • Education is a necessity in today’s world
prerequisite

Used to refer to something that must be done or achieved before something else can happen. Often used in academic and formal settings.

  • Completing the introductory course is a prerequisite for enrolling in advanced classes
  • Practicing basic skills is a prerequisite to mastering advanced techniques
condition

Used when referring to the specific circumstances or stipulations under which something will happen or be accepted.

  • The car is being sold in good condition
  • You must agree to the conditions before proceeding

Examples of usage

  • You must meet all the requirements listed in the job description.
  • The software has some specific requirements in order to run smoothly.
Context #2 | Noun

quality control

A specification that is essential for the performance of a product.

Synonyms

demand, specification, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
requirement

Similar to the first usage, but emphasizing what is mandatory or compulsory.

  • The software meets our security requirements.
  • Compliance with these safety requirements is non-negotiable.
specification

Use when referring to detailed and precise criteria or measurements. Common in technical, engineering, or product-related contexts.

  • The architect reviewed the building specifications.
  • Make sure to follow the technical specifications exactly.
standard

Use to indicate an accepted level of quality or norm that is widely recognized and followed.

  • This product meets international standards.
  • We set the standard for customer service in this industry.
demand

Use to indicate a strong need or insistence, often carrying a more urgent or forceful tone.

  • There is a high demand for skilled workers in this industry.
  • He made a demand for immediate payment.

Examples of usage

  • This product meets all the safety requirements set by the industry standards.
  • The project cannot proceed until all the requirements are met.
Context #3 | Noun

academic

A course, subject area, or qualification that is necessary for a particular career.

Synonyms

prerequisite, qualification, requisite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
requirement

Used when discussing something that is needed or necessary for a particular purpose or situation.

  • A passport is a requirement for international travel.
  • The job description lists several requirements, including a degree and relevant experience.
qualification

Refers to skills, experience, or credentials needed for a specific role or activity, often in professional or educational contexts.

  • She has all the qualifications necessary to excel in this job.
  • His lack of formal qualifications was a barrier to getting the position.
prerequisite

Often used in educational or formal settings to indicate something that must be done or achieved before moving on to the next stage.

  • Algebra is a prerequisite for taking calculus.
  • One of the prerequisites for this course is a basic understanding of computer programming.
requisite

A formal or somewhat old-fashioned way to talk about something that is necessary for a specific purpose.

  • They had all the requisite knowledge to solve the problem.
  • Proper equipment is requisite for the safe completion of the task.

Examples of usage

  • The student completed all the course requirements to graduate.
  • She has fulfilled the language requirements for the job.

Translations

Translations of the word "requirement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 requisito

🇮🇳 आवश्यकता

🇩🇪 Anforderung

🇮🇩 persyaratan

🇺🇦 вимога

🇵🇱 wymaganie

🇯🇵 要件 (ようけん)

🇫🇷 exigence

🇪🇸 requisito

🇹🇷 gereksinim

🇰🇷 요구 사항 (要求事項)

🇸🇦 متطلب

🇨🇿 požadavek

🇸🇰 požiadavka

🇨🇳 要求 (yāoqiú)

🇸🇮 zahteva

🇮🇸 krafa

🇰🇿 талап

🇬🇪 მოთხოვნა

🇦🇿 tələb

🇲🇽 requisito

Etymology

The word 'requirement' originated from the Latin word 'requirere', which means 'to seek'. The term first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'requirement' evolved to represent the idea of something that is necessary or demanded. The concept of requirements is essential in various fields such as business, education, and technology.

See also: require, required, requirements, requisition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,893, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.