needy

adjective

\ˈnē-dē

needier; neediest

Definition of needy

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.

Other Words from needy Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about needy

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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

The dinner raised $400,000 for the organization, which works on behalf of needy kids and families. — BostonGlobe.com, "Big names hit up galas for RFK Children’s Action Corps, Camp Harbor View," 3 June 2018 The government says the Fatherland Cards are simply a high-tech way to make sure government subsidies are going to the neediest. — Jim Wyss And Cody Weddle, miamiherald, "Venezuela's Maduro aims to turn empty stomachs into full ballot boxes | Miami Herald," 16 May 2018 This year, the group will ask those in attendance to participate in another Three Kings Day tradition in which one vows to pray for or give to the needy. — Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News, "Of kings, magi and wise men," 8 Jan. 2018 Protecting Europe’s borders must not mean keeping out the needy, Ms. Merkel said. — Steven Erlanger, New York Times, "For Europe, Cutting the Flow of Migrants Challenges Basic Ideals," 5 July 2018 The board responsible for overseeing Goodwill Omaha allowed the prominent charity to stray from its core mission of providing jobs for the needy and disabled while its CEO made nearly $1 million a year, Nebraska’s attorney general said Tuesday. — Grant Schulte, The Seattle Times, "Report: Lax Goodwill Omaha allowed CEO to make $1 mln a year," 26 June 2018 Howard is insured by Georgia Medicaid, an insurance program for the needy funded jointly by the state and federal government. — Elizabeth Koh And Carol Marbin Miller, miamiherald, "She's starving to death — and public health agencies can't or won't stop it | Miami Herald," 24 May 2018 The most needy low-income and minority populations have no choice but to rely on our transportation. — Adam Vaccaro, BostonGlobe.com, "Learn this Boston firefighter's secret to training for the Boston Marathon," 16 Apr. 2018 David’s actor-daughter Ella, vulnerable and needy, eventually morphs into the spitting emotional image of dear old dad, cruelty and ego included. — Christine Dolen, miamiherald, "'I'm Gonna Pray for You So Hard' does, sadly, reflect the dark soul of our times," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'needy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.