(1) A software capability needed by a user to solve a problem to achieve an objective. (2) A software capability that must be met or possessed by a system or system component to satisfy a contract, standard, specification, or other formally imposed document. 3. The set of all software requirements that forms the basis for subsequent development of the software or software component. 4. A collective term for following types of software requirements: functional requirements, performance requirements, external interface requirements, design constraints, and quality attributes 5. A short description sometimes used in place of the term software requirements specification.