English · Word Candidate

predecessor

/ˈpɹiːdɪsɛsə(ɹ)/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: predecessors

Sense 1

Meaning · English

One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state, position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes after, in any office or position.

Noun

Examples

I thought about my predecessor, who had died of drink and smoke; and I could have wished he had been so good as to live, and not bother me with his decease.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A model or type of machinery or device which precedes the current (or later) one. Usually used to describe an earlier, outdated model.

Noun

Examples

The steam engine was the predecessor of diesel and electric locomotives.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “predecessor” mean?

One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state, position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes after, in any office or position.

Is “predecessor” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.