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.
Medicaid is a state-federal program that provides healthcare services to 4.2 million needy Floridians — mainly children, the disabled, pregnant women, parents and caretakers. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025 The Deep, Dark Truth Your phone, when left to its own devices, is a needy little thing. Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025 This is made worse by his needy eyes and floppy curly hair. Jeffrey Seller, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 Do stole funds meant to feed needy seniors during COVID. Janet Nguyen, Oc Register, 6 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 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids 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

More from Merriam-Webster on needy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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