necessary condition
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necessary condition
a condition that is indispensable for the achievement of an objective. A necessary condition is usually contrasted with sufficient condition, which is viewed as the adequacy of a condition to achieve an objective.For example, an increase in INVESTMENT is a necessary condition in the achievement of higher rates of ECONOMIC GROWTH, but it is not a sufficient condition to generate growth insofar as other factors, such as an increase in the LABOUR FORCE, also contribute to raising growth rates.
Collins Dictionary of Economics, 4th ed. © C. Pass, B. Lowes, L. Davies 2005