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
Let’s put those millions of Medicaid dollars to the service of our disabled children and needy immigrant community.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Will there be a tackle-needy contender willing to move into the top 10 for Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa?
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
But Ivan and Yusuf’s requests begin to strain her increasingly rocky relationship with her needy boyfriend, Max (Jack Innanen).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Proceeds will benefit needy veterans and their families, the community and the military.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for needy
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Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Will there be a tackle-needy contender willing to move into the top 10 for Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa?
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
But Ivan and Yusuf’s requests begin to strain her increasingly rocky relationship with her needy boyfriend, Max (Jack Innanen).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Proceeds will benefit needy veterans and their families, the community and the military.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for needy
Cite this Entry
“Needy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/needy. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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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