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

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 The donations go to charitable programs for needy and disabled veterans and surviving family members of deceased veterans. — Maureen Robertson, Ramona Sentinel, "Memorial Day services to pay tribute to veterans who have died," 23 May 2018 Brit, the second violinist, is the romantic of the group, acutely sensitive but also needy and subordinate. — Sam Sacks, WSJ, "Fiction Chronicle: Measure for Measure," 11 May 2018 Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land. — David B. Gowler, Fortune, "Commentary: Let’s Be Honest: Paul Ryan Would Fire Jesus as House Chaplain," 1 May 2018 Tzedakah is Hebrew for righteousness, justice or fairness, referring to the responsibility to give money and/or assistance to the poor or needy, or to worthwhile causes. — Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, "Jewish Endowment Foundation honors those who give to the community," 17 Apr. 2018 Restless, fearful and openly needy, Senetra’s W tends to circle these topics. — Mike Fischer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Door County theaters add stories and sparkle to summer nights," 11 July 2018 The dream scenario for the Royals where starter Jason Hammel could potentially resurrect his season — and do so just in time to become a trade asset for a talent-needy club — could have been imagined six weeks ago. — Jesse Newell, kansascity, "Why Hammel's struggles — including in a 10-5 loss — come at a bad time for the Royals," 6 July 2018 Inspired by a similar push in New York City and the new fare technology that’s coming to the T, the activists see an opportunity to help needy passengers. — Adam Vaccaro, BostonGlobe.com, "Groups want the T to provide fare discounts for low-income riders," 6 July 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.