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Needy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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needy

[ˈniː.di ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

someone in need of help

Needy is used to describe someone who is constantly seeking attention, assistance, or support from others. This person often relies on others for emotional, financial, or physical help.

Synonyms

clingy, demanding, dependent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
needy

Another form of the word 'needy' with the same meaning, often used synonymously.

  • He's very needy and always asks for help with simple tasks.
  • Her needy behavior can be exhausting for those around her.
dependent

Indicates reliance on someone or something else for support or sustenance. It is often neutral but can suggest lack of autonomy if overused.

  • He's financially dependent on his parents while he's in college.
  • The project is highly dependent on the funding from sponsors.
clingy

Often used in a negative sense to describe someone who sticks too closely to someone else, especially in relationships. It suggests overdependence and lack of personal space.

  • She became very clingy after they started dating, always wanting to be with him.
  • I need some space; you're being a bit too clingy.
demanding

Describes someone who makes difficult, exacting, or excessive demands on others. It can be used in both professional and personal contexts to indicate high expectations.

  • Her boss is very demanding and expects her to work late hours every day.
  • Children can be very demanding, always requiring attention and care.

Examples of usage

  • She is always calling and texting me, she's so needy.
  • The needy children in the orphanage require constant care and attention.
Context #2 | Adjective

lacking the necessities of life

Needy can also refer to someone who lacks the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, or clothing. This term is often used in the context of charitable organizations providing aid to those in need.

Synonyms

deprived, poverty-stricken, underprivileged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
needy

Used when referring to people who require significant physical or emotional support. Can also refer to financial assistance but with a softer connotation.

  • The charity provides food and shelter for needy families.
  • She felt lonely and emotionally needy after the breakup.
deprived

Used when referring to a lack of basic material benefits or necessities. Often used in educational and health contexts.

  • Children from deprived backgrounds often struggle to succeed in school.
  • The community was deprived of clean drinking water for weeks.
underprivileged

Used to describe people who do not have the same advantages as others, often in terms of education and economic opportunities. Common in social service and policy discussions.

  • The school provides scholarships to help underprivileged students.
  • Volunteers worked to bring educational resources to underprivileged communities.
poverty-stricken

Used to describe individuals or areas severely affected by poverty. It has a more dire and dramatic tone.

  • The poverty-stricken village had no access to medical facilities.
  • He grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood with limited opportunities.

Examples of usage

  • The local charity provides assistance to needy families in the community.
  • Many homeless people are considered to be part of the needy population.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being needy can stem from feelings of insecurity or a lack of self-esteem.
  • Psychologists suggest that sometimes, needy behavior is a cry for help or attention due to past experiences.
  • Needy individuals may have trouble respecting their own space and the space of others due to emotional dependence.

Society and Culture

  • In relationships, being perceived as needy can lead to misunderstandings and may push people away.
  • Cultural attitudes toward neediness can vary; in some cultures, being vulnerable is seen as a strength, while in others, it may be frowned upon.
  • Media often portrays needy characters in exaggerated ways, emphasizing the struggle for approval or love.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows often depict needy characters searching for love or validation, influencing how society views such behavior.
  • Movies may highlight the comedic or tragic aspects of being needy, like in romantic comedies where characters' insecurities lead to humorous situations.
  • Songs reflecting on neediness can resonate with listeners, making them feel identified or understood.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature characters that display needy traits, exploring themes of love and dependency.
  • In contemporary literature, authors address the complexities of human relationships, where neediness can play a significant role in character development.
  • Poets often use the concept of neediness to express deep emotional longing or connection, making it a poignant theme.

Origin of 'needy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'needy' comes from the Old English word 'nieda', meaning hardship or need.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe someone lacking essentials.
  • The term also evolved from the notion of being in a state of want or poverty.

The word 'needy' originated from the Middle English word 'nedi', meaning 'necessitous' or 'needy'. It has been used in English language since the 12th century. The term has evolved to encompass both emotional and material needs, reflecting the complex nature of human dependence and vulnerability.

See also: need, neediness, needle, needlessly, needs, unneeded.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,682 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.