Word
precondition
Phoneticspre·con·di·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹikənˈdɪʃən/
UK/pɹˌiːkəndˈɪʃən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that must happen or be true before something else can happen.
n. a necessary prior condition that must be satisfied before a subsequent event, action, or process can occur.
Examples
“Good health is a precondition for hard training.”
“The bank says a steady income is a precondition for approving the loan.”
“Lasting peace in the region has one clear precondition: both sides must trust the ceasefire enough to lay down their weapons.”
Examples
simple
“Good health is a precondition for hard training.”
contextual
“The bank says a steady income is a precondition for approving the loan.”
complex
“Lasting peace in the region has one clear precondition: both sides must trust the ceasefire enough to lay down their weapons.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “precondition” in context.
Verb
01. fulfil precondition
“They fulfilled the preconditions set by the international lenders.”
verb + noun
02. impose precondition
“The donor imposed strict preconditions on emergency aid.”
verb + noun
03. meet precondition
“Applicants must meet all preconditions before receiving funding.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. crucial precondition
“A ceasefire is a crucial precondition for peace talks.”
adj + noun
05. essential precondition
“Mutual trust is an essential precondition for effective teamwork.”
adj + noun
06. fundamental precondition
“Stability is a fundamental precondition for foreign investment.”
adj + noun
07. necessary precondition
“Economic reform is a necessary precondition for sustainable growth.”
adj + noun
08. a fundamental precondition for peace
“A lasting ceasefire is a fundamental precondition for peace.”
09. a necessary precondition for success
“Stable institutions are a necessary precondition for success.”
10. fulfil the basic preconditions
“The firm fulfilled the basic preconditions to qualify for the contract.”
11. impose strict preconditions on aid
“Donors imposed strict preconditions on aid to ensure transparency.”
12. meet the preconditions for membership
“The country must meet the preconditions for membership by next year.”
Usage
Often followed by 'for' plus a noun or gerund ('a precondition for success').
Etymology
From pre- + condition.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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