neediness

American

[nee-dee-nis] / ˈni di nɪs /

noun

a condition of want or need; poverty; indigence.

neediness British

/ ˈniːdɪnɪs /

noun

the state of being needy; poverty

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of neediness

First recorded in 1350–1400, neediness is from the Middle English word nedynes. See needy, -ness

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.

And what defines neediness, especially for families with children in college?

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

Authorities such as James Serpell have suggested that these dogs’ neediness brings out our maternal instincts, Herzog noted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Without explicitly saying so, Goode reveals in Haddix and others a breed of human drawn by a dark neediness to these animals that nature designed to grow beyond their control.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2024

But it quickly becomes deeper and more complex, as Donny’s own behavior becomes erratic, fueled by self-loathing and neediness rooted in shame.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2024

Cecilia could hear the neediness in her own voice.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023