need
0 antonyms and opposites of need, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A requirement for something essential or important.
How to use need
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English nēod and nīed, two related words meaning "desire/longing" and "necessity/compulsion," which merged into modern English "need."
Full origin of need →Frequently asked questions
What does “need” mean?
The word “need” means a requirement for something essential or important. In plain terms, something you must have, or the act of requiring it.
How do you pronounce “need”?
“Need” is pronounced need (/nid/ in IPA).
How do you use “need” in a sentence?
Here is “need” used in a sentence: “There's an urgent need for more affordable housing.”
What is another word for “need”?
Words with a similar meaning to “need” include be in need of and require.
What part of speech is “need”?
Depending on how it is used, “need” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “need” come from?
The word “need” comes from Old English. From Old English nēod and nīed, two related words meaning "desire/longing" and "necessity/compulsion," which merged into modern English "need.".
Is “need” a common word?
“Need” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “need” have?
“Need” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a requirement for something essential or important.
What is the difference between a need and a want?
A need is something essential you cannot manage well without — food, shelter, sleep, safety. A want is something you would like but could live without — a nicer phone, a holiday, dessert. The line can blur, but the test is necessity: needs are required for wellbeing, while wants add comfort or pleasure.
What are the types of needs?
Needs are often grouped from most to least essential. Basic physical needs cover food, water, warmth, and rest; safety needs cover security and health; and higher needs cover belonging, esteem, and personal growth. This layered view, popularised by psychologist Abraham Maslow, ranks survival needs beneath social and emotional ones.
Is a need always a physical thing?
No. Many needs are emotional or social rather than material — the need for love, security, respect, or a sense of belonging. Psychologists treat these as genuine requirements for wellbeing, not optional extras. So a need can be anything essential to a person's health and happiness, physical or otherwise.
What is an example of a need?
Clean water is a clear example of a need — without it, health quickly fails. Other everyday needs include nourishing food, safe shelter, warmth, sleep, and medical care. In a broader sense we also speak of a need for connection, purpose, or rest: things essential to wellbeing rather than mere luxuries.