needy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈnē-dē 

needier; neediest

1

: being in want : poverty-stricken

needy families

… where needy children from the community could come to get free, nutritious meals.

—Liza N. Burby

2

: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support

emotionally needy

The girl was needy for her mother's affection.

neediness noun

neediness

2 of 2

noun

need·​i·​ness

ˈnēdēnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality or state of being needy

Synonyms of needy

Adjective

• impoverished
• poor

Examples of needy in a Sentence

Adjective

As a child, she was extremely needy and had no self-confidence.

those generous souls who regularly give money and donate clothes to help the needy

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The elephants would provide meat for needy rural communities, authorities said Friday in defense of the move. — Sello Motseta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The duo, fundraising co-chairs on the Class of 2029 Council, distributed 100 quarts of soup to needy classmates last week, gifted to them by local restaurant Souper Jenny. — Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026

By directly volunteering at a local soup kitchen three hours a week, a person might only be able to help a few dozen needy people at a time. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

The Dolphins, resting their talent-needy starting defense, fought with backups that will provide substandard depth this season. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English nedynes, from nedy needy + -nes -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing needy

• the needy

Rhymes for needy

• beady
• greedy
• guidi
• reedy
• seedy
• speedy
• tweedy
• weedy
• unready

Kids Definition

needy

adjective

ˈnēd-ē 

needier; neediest

1

: being in want : very poor

needy families

2

: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support

a tendency to be emotionally needy

neediness noun