necessity

The word “necessity” means the state of being required or unavoidable. In plain terms, something you can't do without, or the state of being forced by circumstance.

“Necessity” is pronounced nih-SEH-suh-tee (/nɪˈsɛsəti/ in IPA).

Here is “necessity” used in a sentence: “Recycling has become a necessity, not a choice.”

The opposite of “necessity” — its antonyms — are impossibility, contingency and luxury.

“Necessity” is a noun.

The word “necessity” comes from Latin. From Latin necessitās, from necesse ("unavoidable") — the same root as "necessary.".

“Necessity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Necessity” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being required or unavoidable.

A "necessity" is something essential that you cannot reasonably do without, such as food or shelter. A "luxury" is something desirable and pleasant but not essential. The same item can shift between the two depending on circumstances.

"Necessity" is a noun that names the thing required or the state of being unavoidable, as in "water is a necessity." "Necessary" is an adjective that describes something as required, as in "water is necessary." You cannot swap them: you would not say "water is a necessary" or "it is necessity."

A "need" is the requirement, or the feeling that something is lacking. A "necessity" is the essential thing itself, or the state of being unavoidable. You feel a need, and the item that satisfies it is a necessity.