needy

[nee-dee]

adjective

needier, neediest 

1. in a condition of need or want; extremely poor and not having the basic necessities.

   If your car is serviceable, it will be repaired and donated to a needy family.

2. having or exhibiting an excessive emotional need, as for attention, intimacy, or reassurance.

   As he became more competent and less needy, his interpersonal relationships improved.

3. having many needs to be met.

   Cats aren’t as needy as dogs.

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.,  Usually the needy extremely poor people collectively.

needy

/ ˈniːdɪ /

adjective

1. 1. in need of practical or emotional support; distressed

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the needy

Other Word Forms

• needily adverb
• unneedy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of needy¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English nedi; need, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Less individualized attention means less support for the neediest students, she said.

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One day, those denuded slopes could be a premiere addition to the Los Angeles region’s needy park systems, adding wildlife habitat, hiking trails and sports facilities to the majestic views.

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But the 2013 effort reflected a long-term Republican effort to cut food assistance programs for America’s neediest families.

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Keeping their image for integrity intact in this world of greedy and needy players and voracious gamblers is only going to get harder.

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Hedda is the life of the party but also its complicated, needy heart and soul.

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Related Words

• destitute 
• disadvantaged 
• indigent 
• penniless 
• poor 
• poverty-stricken 
• underprivileged 

When To Use

What does needy mean?

Needy is an adjective meaning poor. It can also be used as a noun referring collectively to people who are poor or otherwise in need, as in Your donation will help the needy. Another, more informal use of needy is as a negative adjective meaning demanding or having a lot needs to be met. It’s especially used to describe someone who requires a lot of attention in a relationship. A similar term is high-maintenance.Example: The food bank is intended for needy people who have no other way to get food.