need

SayNEED/nid/UK/niːd/

Verbneeds, needing, needed

Noun pluralneeds

6 meanings of need

1
verbmodaltransitive
To have to do something, or to be something that must happen.
You need to wear a seatbelt in the car.
Students need to hand in their work by Friday.
UsageSay need to do something. You needn't means you don't have to.
2
requireverbtransitive
To have to have something because you cannot manage without it.
Like a car that cannot move without gas in the tank.
Plants need water and sunlight to grow.
She needs more time to finish the project.
UsageThe car needs washing means someone must wash it.
Similarrequire, demand
Note
3
nouncountable or uncountable
Something you must have, or the fact that you must have it.
There is a real need for clean water in the camp.
No need to shout, I can hear you.
UsageSay a need for something, or no need to do something.
4
urgenouncountable
A strong feeling that you want or must have or do something.
After the long drive, I felt a need to stretch my legs.
Some kids have a need to be the center of attention.
UsageSay you feel a need to do something.
Similarurge, desire, craving, longing
Note
5
verbtransitive
To want something very much and feel you must have it.
After the long hike, I really need a cold drink.
She needs that new phone so badly she talks about nothing else.
Similarwant, crave, desire

Less common meaning

6
being poornouncountable or uncountable
The state of being very poor and without what you must have to live.
Like an empty cupboard with no food in it.
The church gives food and warm coats to families in need.
Their need was so great that neighbors brought food daily.
UsageSay people in need for people who are very poor.
Similarpoverty, hardship, want, destitution, deprivation
Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 3–4, 6

From Old English words meaning 'necessity, want' and 'desire, longing', which came together in Middle English.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Need derives partly from Old English nīed, meaning necessity or want. en.wiktionary.org
Need also derives from Old English nēod, meaning desire or longing. en.wiktionary.org
The two Old English words merged in Middle English. en.wiktionary.org

Meanings 1–2, 5

From the Old English verb nēodian.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

The verb need derives from the Old English verb nēodian. en.wiktionary.org