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

According to Ehrman, Jesus’s teachings universalized earlier Jewish ethics by extending the duty to care for the poor, oppressed, and needy beyond one’s own community to include all people. —Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026

Toups Family Meal was launched by the Cajun chef Isaac Toups to feed needy families during the pandemic. —Daniel Brook, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

There’s a chance, at least for this upcoming year, that the Cowboys may deem other positions more needy. —Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

But instead of helping needy Floridians in the Hope Florida program, the foundation quickly gave it away to two groups through separate $5 million grants. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 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