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Definition of needy

needy

/ˈniː.di/
need · y
Adverb:needily
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needy Lexical Profile

needy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Craving or demanding an excessive amount of emotional attention, affection, or reassurance.

Example

"Rescue dogs can sometimes be quite needy at first, following their new owners from room to room for reassurance."

2

Lacking the necessities of life; impoverished or destitute.

Example

"The community center organizes an annual winter coat drive to support needy families in the neighborhood."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for needy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for needy

Word Nuance & Usage

When describing emotional behavior, 'needy' carries a disapproving tone suggesting excessive dependence, whereas in socioeconomic contexts ('the needy', used as a plural nominalized adjective with 'the'), it neutrally or empathetically refers to people living in poverty.

• Rhymes for needy

• Nearby Words

needlework
needleworker
needling
needy
neem
negate
negation

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'need' (from Old English 'nīed', meaning necessity or hardship) combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Needy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/needy
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