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
Liza N. Burby2
: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support
emotionally needy
The girl was needy for her mother's affection.
neediness
noun
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 mission of the group is to reduce food waste and feed needy community members.
—Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Catch up quick: The case centered on a long-running federal program for feeding needy children.
—Kyle Stokes, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
Typically, women are also more likely to quit work to care for needy family members than men.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Be aware that your significant other or crush could become needy and demand more of you.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for needy
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Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Catch up quick: The case centered on a long-running federal program for feeding needy children.
—Kyle Stokes, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
Typically, women are also more likely to quit work to care for needy family members than men.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Be aware that your significant other or crush could become needy and demand more of you.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for needy
Cite this Entry
“Needy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needy. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
needy
adjective
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
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