Need

/niːd/ · noun

Meaning

(countable and uncountable) A requirement for something; something needed..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable and uncountable) A requirement for something; something needed.
2. A desire or craving for the satisfaction of a requirement perceived as essential or primal.
3. Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
4. (transitive) To have an absolute requirement for.
5. (transitive) To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.
6. (modal, chiefly in the negative and interrogative) To be obliged or required (to do something).
7. (intransitive) To be required; to be necessary.
8. (obsolete, transitive) To be necessary (to someone).

Example Sentences

There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.

She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.

Our needs are not being met.

I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.

Being so great, I have no need to beg.

Be governed by your needs, not by your fancy.

One of the hidden glories of Victorian engineering is proper drains.[…]But out of sight is out of mind. And that, together with the inherent yuckiness of the subject, means that many old sewers have been neglected and are in dire need of repair.

Famine is in thy cheeks; Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes.

Synonyms for need

Antonyms for need

Related Words

Word Forms

• needs
• needing
• needed
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• need
• needest
• neededst
• needeth
• -

Usage Notes

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

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