Meaning & Definition of Need in English

1. A condition requiring relief

• "She satisfied his need for affection"

• "God has no need of men to accomplish his work"

• "There is a demand for jobs"

2. Anything that is necessary but lacking

• "He had sufficient means to meet his simple needs"

• "I tried to supply his wants"

3. The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal

• The reason for the action

• That which gives purpose and direction to behavior

• "We did not understand his motivation"

• "He acted with the best of motives"

4. A state of extreme poverty or destitution

• "Their indigence appalled him"

• "A general state of need exists among the homeless"

1. Require as useful, just, or proper

• "It takes nerve to do what she did"

• "Success usually requires hard work"

• "This job asks a lot of patience and skill"

• "This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice"

• "This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert"

• "This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent"

2. Have need of

• "This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner"

3. Have or feel a need for

• "Always needing friends and money"