Word
preconditions
Phoneticspre·con·di·tions, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹikənˈdɪʃənz/
UK/pɹˌiːkəndˈɪʃənz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. things that must happen or be true before something else can happen. You agree on them first, then you do the main thing.
n. requirements or circumstances that must be satisfied before a subsequent event, agreement, or process can proceed. Often appears in the plural when several separate requirements apply together.
Examples
“We agree on preconditions before we start the project.”
“The landlord lists several preconditions for renting the flat, including proof of income and references.”
“The ceasefire negotiations stalled because each side attached preconditions that the other viewed as non-negotiable, turning preliminary talks into a debate about the terms of talking itself.”
Examples
simple
“We agree on preconditions before we start the project.”
contextual
“The landlord lists several preconditions for renting the flat, including proof of income and references.”
complex
“The ceasefire negotiations stalled because each side attached preconditions that the other viewed as non-negotiable, turning preliminary talks into a debate about the terms of talking itself.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “preconditions” in context.
Verb
01. accept preconditions
“He refused to accept their preconditions for the interview.”
verb + noun
02. agree without preconditions
“Both leaders agreed to meet without preconditions.”
verb + prep + noun
03. impose preconditions
“The lender imposed preconditions before releasing further funds.”
verb + noun
04. insist on preconditions
“They insist on preconditions before starting negotiations.”
verb + prep + noun
05. meet preconditions
“You must meet all preconditions to qualify for the grant.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. basic preconditions
“Good roads are among the basic preconditions for economic growth.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. absence of preconditions
“The absence of preconditions helped the talks succeed.”
noun + prep + noun
08. list of preconditions
“The EU presented a clear list of preconditions for membership.”
noun + prep + noun
09. agree to talks without preconditions
“Both parties agreed to talks without preconditions last spring.”
10. impose political preconditions on aid
“Critics accused the government of imposing political preconditions on aid.”
11. lay down strict preconditions
“The bank laid down strict preconditions for the rescue loan.”
12. meet the necessary preconditions
“Applicants must meet the necessary preconditions to receive funding.”
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/preconditions