requirement
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
Something that is necessary or demanded as a condition.
A specific stipulation, need, or prerequisite that must be met to achieve a certain outcome, function correctly, or satisfy a rule.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a mandatory nature; it is not merely a suggestion but something compulsory. Often used in technical, official, or business contexts to specify necessary conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Similar connotations of obligation and necessity in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in bureaucratic and software contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[requirement] for [noun/gerund][requirement] that [clause][noun] requirementVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To fit the bill (to meet the requirement)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A clear specification of what a supplier must deliver, e.g., 'The tender lists all technical requirements.'
Academic
A condition for admission or graduation, e.g., 'The course has a language requirement.'
Everyday
A basic need for a situation, e.g., 'The main requirement for the job is a friendly attitude.'
Technical
A detailed specification a system or component must satisfy, e.g., 'The software fails to meet the security requirements.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council required all new buildings to have solar panels.
- Applicants are required to submit two references.
American English
- The law requires companies to report data breaches.
- You will be required to show ID at the gate.
adverb
British English
- The form must be legibly and completely filled out, as required.
- He acted as legally required.
American English
- Files must be encrypted, if required by policy.
- Please respond by the deadline, as required.
adjective
British English
- The required reading for the module is listed online.
- Please bring the required documents to your interview.
American English
- Complete all required fields on the form.
- She met the required standard for certification.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A passport is a requirement for international travel.
- The only requirement is that you are over 18.
- One of the university's requirements is a good grade in Maths.
- Does this job have any special requirements?
- The new regulations impose stricter environmental requirements on manufacturers.
- The system was designed to meet the client's specific requirements.
- The contractual requirements were so stringent that few bidders could satisfy them.
- A nuanced understanding of the core requirements is prerequisite to any successful implementation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-QUEST-ire-ment. You RE-QUEST something you absolutely IRE (need), making it a requirement.
Conceptual Metaphor
REQUIREMENTS ARE CONTAINERS (You must fill them); REQUIREMENTS ARE HURDLES (You must clear/meet them).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'требование' when it means 'demand' in a forceful, personal sense (e.g., 'His requirements were unreasonable'). Use 'demand' instead. 'Requirement' is more neutral and systemic.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'requirement of' incorrectly instead of 'requirement for' (e.g., 'the requirement of a visa' is less common than 'the requirement for a visa'). Confusing 'requirement' with 'request'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'requirement' in a legal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost always countable (e.g., 'one requirement', 'several requirements'). The uncountable use is very rare.
A 'prerequisite' is a specific type of requirement that must be fulfilled BEFORE you can proceed to something else (e.g., 'Chemistry 101 is a prerequisite for Chemistry 102'). A 'requirement' is a broader term for any necessary condition.
Not typically for a person themselves. You would say 'We have a requirement for a manager' (a need for the role), not 'He is a requirement'. Use 'essential' or 'necessary person' instead.
'For' is the most common (requirement for something). 'That' is used to introduce a clause (the requirement that something be done). 'On' or 'upon' is sometimes used in legal/formal contexts (requirements on the licensee).