needy

American  

[nee-dee] / ˈni di /

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.

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noun

(used with a plural verb)

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

needy British  

/ ˈniːdɪ /

adjective

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

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the needy

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• needily adverb
• unneedy adjective

Etymology

Origin of needy

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

Example Sentences

Today, she co-owns the refuge with their son Darren, who tends to the more needy - and dangerous - residents, such as George.

From BBC

Industry groups recommend that surrogates not receive public benefits to reduce the perception that they are financially needy and could be coerced into the transaction.

From The Wall Street Journal

Getting into the holiday spirit: This year, local vintage store owners are collaborating on a special open house that aims to collect food and donations for needy families.

From The Wall Street Journal

The system serves more as a cash machine for criminals than a safety net for the needy.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Oh. What. Fun.” may not be a perfect film, but it’s just right for anyone who turns into a needy terror around the holidays, whether they realize it or not.

From Salon

Related Words

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