Meaning & use

needy

adjective·Everyday

Lacking basic necessities such as food, money, or shelter, or excessively seeking attention and reassurance.

See it in a sentence

The charity delivers meals to needy families throughout the winter.

He became clingy and needy after the breakup, calling several times a day.

A note on using this word

Describing a person as emotionally 'needy' can sound critical, unlike the more neutral sense of lacking resources.

Words with a similar meaning

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Make it your own

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