necessity
nih-SEH-suh-tee
Necessity (noun) means the state of being required or unavoidable. Example: “Many people moved to the city out of necessity rather than choice.”
noun
1
The state of being required or unavoidable.
"Many people moved to the city out of necessity rather than choice."
"The necessity of wearing a helmet is clear to every cyclist."
"Recycling has become a necessity, not a choice."
2
Something essential; a basic requirement.
"For many families, a reliable car is not a luxury but a necessity."
"Food and shelter are basic necessities of life."
"A good pair of boots is a necessity in this climate."
3
Extreme need or hardship; poverty.
"Many people in the village lived in necessity after the harvest failed."
"He grew up in necessity and never forgot how hard it was."
"The family sold their belongings out of sheer necessity."
How to use necessity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you can't do without, or the state of being forced by circumstance.
Common pairings
a necessity of life
out of necessity
bare necessities
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Word forms
- Plural
- necessities
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Many people moved to the city out of _____ rather than choice.
Etymology
From Latin necessitās, from necesse ("unavoidable") — the same root as "necessary."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for necessity
See all rhymes for necessity →Frequently asked questions
What does “necessity” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “necessity”?
“Necessity” is pronounced nih-SEH-suh-tee (/nɪˈsɛsəti/ in IPA).
How do you use “necessity” in a sentence?
Here is “necessity” used in a sentence: “Recycling has become a necessity, not a choice.”
What is the opposite of “necessity”?
The opposite of “necessity” — its antonyms — are impossibility, contingency and luxury.
What part of speech is “necessity”?
“Necessity” is a noun.
Where does the word “necessity” come from?
The word “necessity” comes from Latin. From Latin necessitās, from necesse ("unavoidable") — the same root as "necessary.".
Is “necessity” a common word?
“Necessity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “necessity” have?
“Necessity” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being required or unavoidable.
What is the difference between a necessity and a luxury?
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.
What is the difference between necessity and necessary?
"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."
What is the difference between a necessity and a need?
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.
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