Definition of demand
1a : an act of demanding or asking especially with authority a demand for obedienceb : something claimed as due or owed the demands of the workers' union
2 archaic : question
3a economics : willingness and ability to purchase a commodity or service the demand for quality day careb : the quantity of a commodity or service wanted at a specified price and time supply and demand
4a : a seeking or state of being sought after in great demand as an entertainerb : urgent need an increased demand for blood donations
5 : the requirement of work or of the expenditure of a resource equal to the demands of the office demands on one's time oxygen demand for waste oxidation
on demand
: upon presentation and request for payment; also : when requested or needed video on demand
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Examples of demand in a Sentence
The committee is considering her demand that she be given more time to complete the study.
The workers said they would not end the strike until their demands were met.
The demand for low-income housing is increasing as the economy gets worse.
We are seeing an increased demand for hospital beds.
The company increased production to meet demand.
Origin and Etymology of demand
see 2demand
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Business Terms
demand
Definition of demand
intransitive verb
: to call for something in an authoritative way : to make a demand : ask
transitive verb
1 : to ask or call for with authority : claim as due or just demanded to see a lawyer
2 : to call for urgently, imperiously, or insistently demanded that the rioters disperse
3a : to ask authoritatively or earnestly to be informed of demand the reason for the dismissalb : to require to come : summon
4 : to call for as useful or necessary etiquette demands a handwritten thank-you
demander
nounExamples of demand in a Sentence
The customer demanded a refund.
Parents have demanded that the teacher resign.
The reporter demanded to see the documents.
I demand to know what is going on here!
“Come here at once!” he demanded.
“Why won't you answer me?” she demanded.
The situation demands immediate action.
Origin and Etymology of demand
Middle English demaunden, from Anglo-French demander, from Medieval Latin demandare, from Latin, to entrust, charge, from de- + mandare to enjoin — more at mandate
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of demand
DEMAND Defined for English Language Learners
demand
playDefinition of demand for English Language Learners
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: a forceful statement in which you say that something must be done or given to you
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: a strong need for something
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: the ability and need or desire to buy goods and services
demand
Definition of demand for English Language Learners
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: to say in a forceful way that something must be done or given to you : to say that you have a right to (something)
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: to say or ask (something) in a very forceful way
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: to require (something)
DEMAND Defined for Kids
Definition of demand for Students
1 : a forceful expression of what is desired a demand for money
2 : something claimed as owed He presented a list of demands.
3 : an expressed desire to own or use something The demand for new cars is up.
4 : a seeking or state of being sought after Good teachers are in great demand.
Definition of demand for Students
demanded
;demanding
1 : to claim as a right I demand an apology.
2 : to ask earnestly or in the manner of a command The sentry demanded the password.
3 : to call for : require The situation demands attention.
on demand
: when requested or needed Payment is due on demand.
Law Dictionary
demand
Legal Definition of demand
1 : a formal request or call for something (as payment for a debt) especially based on a right or made with force a shareholder must first make a demand on the corporation's board of directors to act — R. C. Clark a written demand for payment
2 : something demanded any demands against the estate — see also claim
on demand
: upon presentation and request for payment
demand
Legal Definition of demand
: to ask or call for with force, authority, or by legal right : claim as due on any issue triable of right by a jury, a party may demand a jury trial — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 38(b)
demandable
adjectiveLearn More about demand
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See words that rhyme with demand Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for demand Spanish Central: Translation of demand Nglish: Translation of demand for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of demand for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about demand
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