need — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A requirement for something; something needed.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   occasionuse

   Examples

   We discussed the needs of the family.

   There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.

   She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.

   More examples (5)

   Our instant needs are not being met.

   I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.

   Being so great, I have no need to beg.

   Be governed by your needs, not by your fancy.

   One of the hidden glories of Victorian engineering is proper drains.[…]But out of sight is out of mind. And that, together with the inherent yuckiness of the subject, means that many old sewers have been neglected and are in dire need of repair.

2. A desire or craving for the satisfaction of a requirement perceived as essential or primal.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Famine is in thy cheeks; Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes.

Verb

1. To have an absolute requirement for.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   I need some rest.

   Living things need water to survive.

   You do not always need to go to the library to study. You may use the Internet.

   More examples (2)

   She needed convincing that I was what she really needed.

   Scotland needed a victory by eight points to have a realistic chance of progressing to the knock-out stages, and for long periods of a ferocious contest looked as if they might pull it off.

2. To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   After ten days of hiking, I needed a shower and a shave.

   More examples (1)

   Energy has seldom been found where we need it when we want it. Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame. With more settled people, animals were harnessed to capstans or caged in treadmills to turn grist into meal.

3. To be obliged or required (to do something).

   Usage

   • modal
   • in the negative and interrogative

   Examples

   You need not wait for me.

   I need not go if I don't want to, need I?

   I was wondering if I need fill in more forms. - No, that's the only one you need fill out.

   More examples (1)

   I need never have packed my set of sunglasses - it rained all day every day.

4. To be required; to be necessary.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   When we have done it, we have done our duty, and all that is in our power, and indeed all that needs.

   More examples (1)

   Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic who still resists the idea that something drastic needs to happen for him to turn his life around.

5. To be necessary (to someone).

   Usage

   • Obsolete
   • Transitive

   Examples

   More ample spirit, then hitherto was wount, / Here needes me […]

Noun

1. a condition requiring relief

   Synonyms

   demand

   Broader terms

   conditionstatus

   Examples

   she satisfied his need for affection

   God has no need of men to accomplish His work

   More examples (1)

   there is a demand for jobs

2. anything that is necessary but lacking

   Synonyms

   want

   Broader terms

   necessityessentialrequirementrequisitenecessary

   Examples

   he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs

   I tried to supply his wants

3. the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

   Synonyms

   motivationmotive

   Broader terms

   psychological feature

   Examples

   we did not understand his motivation

   he acted with the best of motives

4. a state of extreme poverty or destitution

   Synonyms

   indigencepenurypauperismpauperization

   Broader terms

   povertypoornessimpoverishment

   Examples

   their indigence appalled him

   a general state of need exists among the homeless

Verb

1. require as useful, just, or proper

   Synonyms

   necessitateaskpostulaterequiretakeinvolvecall fordemand

   Broader terms

   referpertainrelateconcerncome tobear ontouchtouch onhave to do with

   Examples

   It takes nerve to do what she did

   success usually requires hard work

   More examples (4)

   This job asks a lot of patience and skill

   This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice

   This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert

   This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent

2. have need of

   Synonyms

   wantrequire

   Broader terms

   existbe

   Examples

   This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner

3. have or feel a need for

   Broader terms

   wantrequire

   Examples

   always needing friends and money