needy

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

Synonyms

• beggared
• beggarly
• broke
• destitute
• dirt-poor
• down-and-out
• famished
• hard up
• impecunious
• impoverished
• indigent
• necessitous
• needful
• pauperized
• penniless
• penurious
• poor
• poverty-stricken
• skint [chiefly British]
• threadbare

Examples of needy in a Sentence

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

Peterman plays Gabby, a needy, dramatic bartender who has worked at the tavern for quite some time. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2024

That complaint seeks revocation of Dr. Sophy’s license to provide mental health counseling to needy patients. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024

The attorney general, Raúl Torrez, said his office is examining Memorial’s patient policies for compliance with a state law and the hospital’s performance under the New Mexico statute governing provision of care to needy patients. —Gretchen Morgenson, NBC News, 17 July 2024

Or lawmakers could provide more generous aid to help needy families afford to buy food. —Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing needy

• the needy

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