needy
NEE-dee
Needy (adj) means lacking basic necessities; poor. Example: “The charity distributes food to needy families.”
adj
1
Lacking basic necessities; poor.
"The charity distributes food to needy families."
"The shelter gives warm meals to needy people every evening."
"Volunteers collected coats for needy children before the winter."
2
Emotionally dependent; constantly seeking reassurance or attention.
"He became needy and insecure after the breakup."
"My friend can be a bit needy and texts me whenever I am busy."
"Puppies are often needy and want attention all the time."
How to use needy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither genuinely poor and lacking necessities, or emotionally clingy and dependent on others for reassurance.
Common mistake
In relationships, "needy" is usually negative (clingy, insecure); don't confuse it with simply "needing help," which isn't a character flaw.
Common pairings
needy families
act needy
clingy and needy
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Word forms
- Comparative
- needier
- Superlative
- neediest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity distributes food to _____ families.
Etymology
From Old English nēdiġ, from "need" + -y.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
confident
self-sufficient
Related words
Rhymes for needy
See all rhymes for needy →Frequently asked questions
What does “needy” mean?
The word “needy” means lacking basic necessities; poor. In plain terms, either genuinely poor and lacking necessities, or emotionally clingy and dependent on others for reassurance.
How do you pronounce “needy”?
“Needy” is pronounced NEE-dee (/ˈniːdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “needy” in a sentence?
Here is “needy” used in a sentence: “The charity distributes food to needy families.”
What is the opposite of “needy”?
The opposite of “needy” — its antonyms — are confident and self-sufficient.
What part of speech is “needy”?
“Needy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “needy” come from?
The word “needy” comes from Old English. From Old English nēdiġ, from "need" + -y.
Is “needy” a common word?
“Needy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “needy” have?
“Needy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lacking basic necessities; poor.
What is the difference between needy and poor?
Poor generally describes a lack of money or resources, while needy specifically emphasizes lacking basic necessities such as food, shelter, or clothing. Needy is often used in contexts like charity or social support to highlight urgent, practical want.
What does it mean to call a person needy in a relationship?
In relationships, needy describes someone who is emotionally dependent and constantly seeks reassurance or attention from others. This sense is distinct from the meaning related to material poverty and usually carries a critical or negative tone.
Is needy always a negative word?
It depends on context. When describing people who lack necessities, needy is neutral or sympathetic, as in "needy families." When describing emotional behavior, it is usually critical, suggesting excessive dependence on others for validation.
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