prerequisite

Universal Words noun [usuallysing.] ~ (for / of / to sth) (formal) something that must exist or happen before sth else can happen or be done SYNPRECONDITION: A degree is an essential prerequisite for employment at this level. * Flexibility of approach is an important prerequisite to successful learning. compareREQUISITE prerequisite adjective [onlybeforenoun]: prerequisite knowledge / skills