needy

[ nee-dee ]

adjective

, need·i·er, need·i·est.

1. in a condition of need or want; extremely poor and not having the basic necessities:

   If your car is serviceable, it will be repaired and donated to a needy family.

2. having or exhibiting an excessive emotional need, as for attention, intimacy, or reassurance:

   As he became more competent and less needy, his interpersonal relationships improved.

3. having many needs to be met:

   Cats aren’t as needy as dogs.

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Usually the needy. Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. extremely poor people collectively.

needy

/ ˈniːdɪ /

adjective

1. 1. in need of practical or emotional support; distressed
   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the needy

Other Words From

• need·i·ly adverb
• un·need·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of needy¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English nedi; need, -y ¹

Related Words

• destitute
• disadvantaged
• indigent
• penniless
• poor
• poverty-stricken
• underprivileged