re ‧ quire ‧ ment S2 W2 AC /rɪˈkwaɪəmənt $ -ˈkwaɪr-/ BrE AmE noun [countable usually plural]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ require ; noun : ↑ requirement ]
1 . something that someone needs or asks for:
The refugees’ main requirements are food and shelter.
requirement of
Potatoes can provide one-third of our daily requirement of vitamin C.
meet/fulfil/satisfy a requirement (=have or do what is necessary)
The new computer system will meet all our requirements.
surplus to requirements British English (=more than is needed)
The increase in gas-fired power stations means traditional coal ones are becoming surplus to requirements.
2 . something that must be done because of a law or rule:
If you are installing a new bathroom, it has to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.
Two measures have been introduced as legal requirements.
3 . something, especially good examination results, that a college, employer etc says you must have in order to do something
requirement for
English 4 is a requirement for English majors.
To find out about entry requirements for students, write to the college admissions board.
The minimum requirement for the post was a degree in engineering.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1,2 & 3)
■ verbs
▪ meet a requirement (=have or do what is needed)
We finally found a house that seemed to meet all of our requirements.
▪ satisfy/fulfil a requirement formal (=meet them)
Our aim is to satisfy our customers’ requirements.
▪ comply with requirements formal (=have or do what a rule or law says is necessary)
Failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence.
▪ impose requirements formal (=state that something has to be done)
Because the regulations impose new requirements on small businesses, they will prove costly.
▪ suit sb’s requirements (=be suitable for someone in a particular situation)
You could design and build your own house to suit your requirements.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUNS + requirement
▪ a special requirement
He modified the car to suit his own special requirements.
▪ a basic requirement
Water is a basic requirement of life.
▪ an essential requirement
Confidence is an essential requirement for success.
▪ a minimum requirement
That certificate is a minimum requirement for entry to music college.
▪ a legal/statutory requirement
There is no legal requirement to carry identity papers.
▪ safety requirements
All companies are required to meet Health and Safety requirements.
▪ entry requirements (=the skills, qualifications etc you must have in order to enter a school, university, or country, or to do a course)
Applicants must satisfy the normal entry requirements for the programme.
▪ energy requirements (=the amount of energy a place or person needs)
65 percent of the country’s energy requirements were met by imported oil.
■ phrases
▪ be surplus to requirements British English (=be more than is needed)
The old school building is now surplus to requirements.