Necessity

/nɪˈsɛsəti/ · noun

Meaning

The quality or state of being necessary, unavoidable, or absolutely requisite..

Definitions by Sense

1. The quality or state of being necessary, unavoidable, or absolutely requisite.
2. The condition of being needy; desperate need; lack.
3. Something necessary; a requisite; something indispensable.
4. Something which makes an act or an event unavoidable; an irresistible force; overruling power.
5. The negation of freedom in voluntary action; the subjection of all phenomena, whether material or spiritual, to inevitable causation; necessitarianism.
6. (law) Greater utilitarian good; used in justification of a criminal act.
7. (law, in the plural) Indispensable requirements (of life).

Example Sentences

I bought a new table out of necessity. My old one was ruined.

Educating the public about some of the myths that underlie their fears that non-traditional families will of necessity be detrimental to the well-being of foster children.

Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. […] But the scandals kept coming, […]. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul.

For it is in vain for a man to think to seek God in his necessity and exigence, if he seek not God in his ordinances, and do not joy in them.

A tent is a necessity if you plan on camping.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

Look for the bare necessities / The simple bare necessities / Forget about your worries and your strife

After eating a full meal, the human body's necessity for food will compel the person to eat again in the future.

Synonyms for necessity

Antonyms for necessity

Related Words

Word Forms

• necessities

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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