requirement

A requirement is a non-negotiable threshold. It carries a sense of obligation or necessity that must be met before progress can occur. Unlike a 'wish' or a 'preference', a requirement implies a binary state: it is either satisfied or it is not. In professional and technical contexts, the word shifts from a general need to a formal specification. Here, it suggests a level of rigidity and authority, often tied to laws, safety standards, or contractual obligations. Compared to 'necessity', which feels more organic or survival-based (e.g., water is a necessity), 'requirement' often feels imposed by an external system, person, or set of rules.