Definition

1. Noun:

   • A state of requiring something essential or very important: A condition where something necessary is absent or insufficient.
   • A thing that is necessary: Something required for survival, well-being, or the completion of a task.
   • A state of extreme poverty or lack: A condition of severe deprivation or destitution.

2. Verb:

   • To require something essential or important: To have a necessity for something because it is essential or very important.
   • To be under an obligation: Used to express necessity or obligation, often in negative or interrogative forms.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The basic need for food and water is universal.
  • He explained the need for stricter safety regulations.
  • Charities work to help families in need.

• Verb:

  • Plants need sunlight to grow.
  • You need to finish this report by Friday.
  • "Do I need to sign this form?" "No, you need not."

Advanced Usage

• "If need be": If it becomes necessary.

  • I can work late tonight if need be.

• "In need of": Requiring (something).

  • The old bridge is in urgent need of repair.

• "A need for": A necessity or requirement for something specific.

  • There is a growing need for renewable energy sources.

Variants and Related Words

• Needy (adj): Very poor and lacking the necessities of life; requiring emotional support.

  • They donated clothes to needy families.

• Needful (adj): (Formal) Necessary; required.

  • We will do the needful to resolve the issue.

• Needless (adj): Unnecessary; not needed.

  • It was needless worry; everything turned out fine.

Synonyms

• Requirement (n): Something that is needed or demanded.
• Necessity (n): The fact of being required or indispensable.
• Require (v): To need for a particular purpose.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Need out: (Informal, rare) To have a strong need to leave a situation.
  • This meeting is so boring, I really need out.

Related Idioms

• Needs must (when the devil drives): Sometimes you are forced to do something you would rather not do because it is necessary.

  • I don't like working weekends, but needs must if we want to finish the project.

• Crying need for something: A very obvious and urgent need for something.

  • There is a crying need for better public transportation in the city.

Noun

1. a state of extreme poverty or destitution
   • their indigence appalled him
   • a general state of need exists among the homeless
2. 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
   • we did not understand his motivation
   • he acted with the best of motives
3. anything that is necessary but lacking
   • he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs
   • I tried to supply his wants
4. a condition requiring relief
   • she satisfied his need for affection
   • God has no need of men to accomplish His work
   • there is a demand for jobs

Verb

1. have or feel a need for
   • always needing friends and money
2. have need of
   • This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner
3. require as useful, just, or proper
   • It takes nerve to do what she did
   • success usually requires hard work
   • 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