needs

American  

[needz] / nidz /

adverb

1. of necessity; necessarily (usually preceded or followed bymust ).

   It must needs be so.

   It needs must be.

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needs British  

/ niːdz /

adverb

1. (preceded or foll by must) of necessity

   we must needs go

   we will go, if needs must

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plural noun

1. what is required; necessities

   the needs of the third world

   his needs are modest

Etymology

Origin of needs

First recorded before 1000; Middle English nedis, Old English nēdes, originally genitive of nēd need; -s ¹

Example Sentences

“This needs to be implemented and incorporated into care, recognizing that there are differences.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

“Every community needs to accept facilities at some point, but on the other hand, we’re a democracy,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

But Congress still needs to pass a bill to fund the rest of the department.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“Everyone just needs to be adaptable,” Dad says.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller