necessity

noun

ne·​ces·​si·​ty ni-ˈse-sə-tē How to pronounce necessity (audio)
-ˈse-stē
plural necessities
1
: the quality or state of being necessary
He questioned the necessity for the change.
2
a
: pressure of circumstance
The plane was compelled by necessity to change its course.
b
: physical or moral compulsion
did it, not because he wanted to, but by necessity
c
: impossibility of a contrary order or condition
submitting to the necessity imposed by the physical laws of the universe
3
: the quality or state of being in need
especially : poverty
had come to help them in their necessity
4
a
: something that is necessary : requirement
Many families could not afford the bare necessities of life.
b
: an urgent need or desire
When his father collapsed, an ambulance became a necessity.
Phrases
of necessity
: in such a way that it cannot be otherwise
also : as a necessary consequence
further changes will occur of necessity

Examples of necessity in a Sentence

Sunscreen is an absolute necessity for the beach. food, clothes, and other basic necessities Getting plenty of rest is a necessity. Without a car, living close to work is a necessity. All we took with us on our hiking trip were the bare necessities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The unemployment rate for Gen Z is more than double the national rate, which means freelance work may be a necessity as much as a choice. Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025 Nonetheless, in the face of the realities of 2025, thinking about alternatives is a necessity. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Oct. 2025 For decades, DeLodder said, hospitals have quelled the establishment of freestanding birthing centers by arguing against their necessity. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025 For founder George Abetti, the business was born not out of grand plans or ample resources, but out of necessity. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for necessity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English necessite, from Anglo-French necessité, from Latin necessitat-, necessitas, from necesse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of necessity was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/necessity. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

necessity

noun
ne·​ces·​si·​ty ni-ˈses-ət-ē How to pronounce necessity (audio)
-ˈses-tē
plural necessities
1
: conditions that cannot be changed
forced by necessity
2
: the quality or state of being in need : poverty
3
a
: something that is necessary : requirement
the necessities for camping in comfort
b
: an urgent need or desire
call in case of necessity

Legal Definition

necessity

noun
ne·​ces·​si·​ty
plural necessities
1
a
: the presence or pressure of circumstances that justify or compel a certain course of action
especially : a need to respond or react to a dangerous situation by committing a criminal act
b
: an affirmative defense originating in common law that the defendant had to commit a criminal act because of the pressure of a situation that threatened a harm greater than that resulting from the act see also choice of evils defense at defense sense 2a compare duress, undue influence
2
: something that is necessary especially to subsistence
obligated to provide the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter

More from Merriam-Webster on necessity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!