'pre-implementation' is a modern English compound formed from the prefix 'pre-' (meaning 'before') and the noun 'implementation'. 'Implementation' in English comes from 'implement' + suffix '-ation'; 'implement' ultimately derives from Latin 'implēre' (in- 'into' + plēre 'to fill').

'implementation' developed in English via formation from 'implement' (from Old French/Medieval Latin forms related to Latin 'implēre' and Medieval Latin 'implementum') with the nominalizing suffix '-ation' added in modern English; 'pre-' comes from Latin 'prae' and was reintroduced into English as the productive prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before'. The compound 'pre-implementation' arose in modern technical and business usage to denote the period before implementation.

Originally, roots related to 'implēre' suggested a sense of 'filling' or 'making complete'; over time 'implement' and then 'implementation' shifted to mean 'putting into effect' or 'carrying out' a plan. The combined form now specifically denotes the time or conditions that exist prior to carrying out an implementation.