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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their last best hope is to parrot a false narrative that benefits are being cut for the truly needy. Stewart Whitson, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 Andrade has said that all the settlement money — resulting from overpayments by the state — should have been returned to Florida to help provide health care for needy residents and that diverting it to Hope Florida and then a political action committee looks to be a crime. Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025 In the former Soviet Union, there are tens of thousands of needy elderly Jews, many isolated with no family. Maria Zimina, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025 The best bets from here seem like a team that is either quarterback or tackle needy and gets itchy to move up (or back into the first round) to get their guy. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for needy

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of needy was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Needy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needy. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

More from Merriam-Webster on needy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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