prior
adjective [ before noun ]
uk/praɪər/ usexisting or happening before something else:
Operating earnings were $71 million, compared with a loss of $111 million in the prior year.
Board members denied any prior knowledge of an executive compensation agreement.
prior agreement/approval/consent
Do not publish these figures without prior authorization from the Board.
Applicants should have prior experience of the pharmaceutical sector.
give/receive prior notice (of sth) According to the law, the finance ministry should have been given prior notice, which it did not get.
prior to (doing) sth
before something else:
It is vital that boards, management, and shareholders fully appreciate the risks and rewards prior to any merger.
She was vice president of business operations for three years prior to becoming commissioner.