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.

See Examples For:

neediness

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

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

By the end of that first episode, Martha’s neediness has begun to shade into creepiness.

From New York Times ● May 1, 2024

Cecilia could hear the neediness in her own voice.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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