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
Liza N. Burby2
: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support
emotionally needy
The girl was needy for her mother's affection.
neediness
noun
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
Festivalgoers could explore various booths featuring different organizations dedicated to sustainable living practices, such as food recovery offered to needy students free of charge and hosting clothing drives on campus.
—Julianna Lozada, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026
Though Cee Cee prompts some independence in her friend, Bertie’s sheen hasn’t rubbed off on her needy pal.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Tampa Bay passes up on a few top edge rushers here (Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk) because of the depth at the position and instead nabs McCoy before a few other corner-needy teams.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
If Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is still available, the Dolphins should trade down to a QB-needy team like the New York Jets or Arizona Cardinals and pick up a high second- and third-round pick.
—Kenny Rosarion, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for needy
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Julianna Lozada, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026
Though Cee Cee prompts some independence in her friend, Bertie’s sheen hasn’t rubbed off on her needy pal.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Tampa Bay passes up on a few top edge rushers here (Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk) because of the depth at the position and instead nabs McCoy before a few other corner-needy teams.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
If Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is still available, the Dolphins should trade down to a QB-needy team like the New York Jets or Arizona Cardinals and pick up a high second- and third-round pick.
—Kenny Rosarion, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for needy
Cite this Entry
“Needy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
needy
adjective
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
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