needed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of needed
First recorded in 1610–20; need ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
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.
“No smoke is good, but especially the smoke that could be toxic because of the chemicals that were needed to keep the food frozen in the facility.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2026
The deal also promised a flood of humanitarian aid into the territory, where the UN says around 81% of buildings were damaged, but aid groups say more help is needed.
From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026
These findings suggest that traditional country-by-country risk assessments fail to capture the full extent of the cobalt supply chain's vulnerability and that coordinated system-wide strategies are needed to strengthen resilience.
From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026
They are needed everywhere, especially in underserved communities, but their numbers will never expand without increased advocacy and funding.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026
Maggie had met E when she really needed a friend.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
