1
: necessary duty : obligation
no need to apologize
the need to pay taxes—Peter Scott
2
a
: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful
a building adequate for the company's needs
b
: a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
health and education needs
3
: a condition requiring supply or relief
The house is in need of repair.
refugees in need of shelter and food
4
: lack of the means of subsistence (see subsistence sense 2) : poverty
The community program provides for those in need.
needed; needing; needs or (auxiliary) need
: to be in need of : require
: be under necessity or obligation to
you need not answer
she need only wait
Cite this Entry
“Need.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/need. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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