previous

This term focuses on the immediate predecessor in a sequence. It carries a neutral, factual tone and is frequently used in professional, academic, or legal contexts to establish a timeline or a point of reference. It suggests a direct link between the current state and the one that came just before it. While similar to "prior," which often implies a prerequisite or a condition that must be met first, "previous" is more about the linear arrangement of events. It is the standard choice when describing a former job, a past relationship, or the preceding page in a document.