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

Laura is an older woman, highly educated, actively devout, intelligent, resourceful, good-humored and a long-time resident of a community that struggles to balance its relative wealth with the neediness of surrounding communities.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2025

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

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