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

Yesterday, federal prosecutors indicted two men in Massachusetts for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) money meant for needy children. —Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Bemberger, who is from Lenexa, spent four years attending KU games, practices and special events, such as the annual Christmas shopping trip in support of needy families. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025

Much of the state money was intended to assist needy Floridians, including children. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

Loud, naïve, ham fisted, needy. —Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025

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