needy

/ˈnidi/

/ˈnidi/

Other forms: neediest; needier; needily

People who are needy don't have enough of life's necessities, like money, food, water, education, or shelter. Many charities collect money that helps needy people.

Truly needy people go without food or warmth, for example, and often need help from others. As a group, these people are sometimes referred to as "the needy." A more lighthearted way to use the adjective is to mean "demanding or difficult." This type of needy person requires frequent reassurance or emotional support: "She's a good friend, but she can be so needy sometimes."

Definitions of needy

1. adjective

   poor enough to need help from others
   synonyms: destitute, impoverished, indigent, necessitous, poverty-stricken

   poor

   having little money or few possessions
2. adjective

   demanding or needing attention, affection, or reassurance to an excessive degree
   synonyms: clingy

   demanding

   requiring more than usually expected or thought due; especially great patience and effort and skill
3. noun

   needy people collectively
   “they try to help the needy”

   type of:

   poor, poor people

   people without possessions or wealth (considered as a group)