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

But the agents were needy from the start. — Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026

The oldest, a daughter, has always been needy and played the victim. — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 1 July 2026

As one of the most prominent unrestricted free agents on the board, Reaves could command an over-the-top max offer from a talent-needy rival such as the Brooklyn Nets. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 17 June 2026

The center-needy Lakers would love to have Duren, while a sign-and-trade that would send Duren to Boston and Brown to the Pistons is a popular rumor. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 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