neediness
Americannoun
noun
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
Eden is a complicated mix of independence — she runs her own seemingly thriving business — and winsome but deep-seated neediness.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2024
The movies all showcase mothers and sons; many of them seek to untangle relationships knotted and gnarled by neediness, selfishness or cruelty.
From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2024
Her eyes are closed, her voice is pure neediness, pure woe.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
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.
