Pronunciation

/niːd/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A requirement or necessity; something that is essential or wanted. For example: “The company has a great need for skilled programmers.”
• Verb (v): To require or feel a lack of something, often implying it’s essential or desirable. For example: “She needs a vacation to recharge her batteries.”
• Verb (v): To have a duty or responsibility to do something. For example: “We need to finish this project by tomorrow.”
• Verb (v): To want or desire something, sometimes suggesting a lack without which one cannot continue or be satisfied. For example: “I really need a cup of coffee before I start work.”

Phrases

• “In need of” indicates a deficiency or requirement for something. For example: “The house is in need of repair.”
• “There is no need” implies that something isn’t necessary or required. For example: “There’s no need to rush; we have plenty of time.”
• “If need be” suggests that something may be necessary or done if required. For example: “I’ll stay late at work if need be.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Food, water, and shelter are basic human needs.”
• Verb: “They needed help with their homework.”
• Verb: “It’s important that we understand what our customers truly need.”
• Verb: “I need to go to the store before it closes.”

Synonyms

• Necessity
• Requirement
• Obligation (as a verb)
• Require
• Demand
• Lack
• Want
• Yearn for
• Desire

For verbs related to ‘need’, depending on context, synonyms might include ‘must’, ‘ought to’, ‘should’, ‘have to’.