need
noun
a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation.
had needed
-
past perfectof need.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Women had needed to prove they could have their periods … and fly planes, perform surgeries, run governments. They still had to do this.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Proponents of the novel wealth tax gathered an estimated 980,438 valid signatures from registered voters, California’s secretary of state said late Wednesday, clearing the 875,000 threshold they had needed to qualify.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Judge Barry Cotter KC said Phelan had acted out of "morbid curiosity" and that Travis had needed "help and support but he got the very opposite of that from you".
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
Page said that cool and wet weather leading into this year's Test combined with forecast heat on days three and four meant he had needed to take a different approach.
From Barron's ● Dec. 28, 2025
He had needed her, Tyrion realized afterward, as she lay quietly in his arms.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
