desideratum

UK: dɪˌzɪdəˈrɑːtəm | US: dɪˌsɪdəˈrɑːtəm

Definition

  1. n. something that is needed or wanted; a requirement or essential condition.

Structure
desider <desire, from Latin *desiderare*>atum <neuter past participle suffix, indicating a result or state>
Etymology

Derived from Latin desideratum, the neuter past participle of desiderare ("to desire, long for"). The root desider- implies a sense of longing or lack, while -atum marks it as a concrete result of that desire. The word entered English in the 17th century, retaining its scholarly and formal tone to denote an unmet need or essential criterion.

Examples

  1. A quiet workspace is a key desideratum for productive writing.

  2. The committee listed transparency as a primary desideratum for the new policy.

  3. His research identified several desiderata for future technological advancements.

  4. In philosophy, happiness is often regarded as the ultimate desideratum.

  5. The project’s success hinges on fulfilling its chief desideratum: funding.