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 of needy

• impoverished
• poor

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

This plant flowers year-round and, like all abutilon cultivars, is not water needy. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

There is a total lack of essential supplies for caring for older adults, such as mattresses, hygiene products, diapers, coats and blankets, García Morris said, listing some of the items her organization distributes to needy families. —Sarah Moreno updated April 29, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

The term slacktivism was coined to describe the desire to appear socially engaged without contributing materially, whether through a physical presence at protests or donations to needy causes. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

Wide receiver also could be a sleeper position to stir trade interest for the fifth pick, as there are receiver-needy teams positioned directly behind the Giants. —Dan Duggan, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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