needy
/ˈniːdi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈniːdi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnē-dē/ (ame, mw) · /ˈniː.di/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈniː.di/ (ame, ipa)
needy — adjective
- needypositive
- neediercomparative
- neediestsuperlative
1. having very little money and lacking the basic things required to live, such as
having very little money and lacking the basic things required to live, such as enough food, warm clothes, or a decent place to stay.
The charity sends boxes of warm clothes to needy families before each winter.
collocation: needy families
Amihan helps at a kitchen that serves free meals to needy people in her area.
collocation: needy people
After the earthquake, the Red Cross distributed tents and rice to needy households.
A small part of every concert ticket sold goes to needy students.
- poor
the most general word for lacking money; 'needy' emphasises lacking basic necessities
- destitute
much stronger — having no money or possessions at all; more formal
- disadvantaged
broader — includes lack of education or opportunities, not only money
- impoverished
more formal, often describes a region or group rather than a person
文法句型
needy + noun
be + needy
become + needy
常見錯誤
2. constantly needing more emotional support, affection, or attention from others t
constantly needing more emotional support, affection, or attention from others than is considered ordinary, to an extent that can feel draining.
Piotr ended the relationship because his girlfriend was too needy and called him every hour.
pattern: too needy
After the breakup, Samir realised his ex-partner had been extremely needy and insecure.
adverb collocation: extremely needy
Their new puppy is needy and whines whenever no one stays in the room.
Naoko told her roommate she seemed needy and asked for more time alone.
- independent
not needing or wanting support from others
- self-sufficient
able to meet one's own emotional needs without relying on others
文法句型
be + needy
too + needy
seem + needy
find + someone + needy
用法筆記
Commonly used in the pattern 'too needy'. Can describe people or animals, but not objects. Often carries a mildly negative or frustrated tone and is used when the speaker feels the other person's demands are unreasonable.
常見錯誤
needy — noun
1. people who do not have enough money or basic necessities, considered together as
people who do not have enough money or basic necessities, considered together as a group in society.
The government has promised to spend more money on housing for the needy.
collocation: the needy
Local churches and schools run food drives that collect donations for the needy.
Otis donates old coats and shoes to an organisation that helps the needy.
Baraka believes the city should do more to create jobs for the needy.
- the poor
the most common alternative; slightly broader because 'poor' can include people who have some income
- the underprivileged
more formal; emphasises lack of advantages and opportunities
- the disadvantaged
broader still — includes those lacking education, healthcare, or social support
- the wealthy
people who have a lot of money and assets
- the rich
more informal than 'the wealthy'
文法句型
the + needy
the needy + plural verb
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article 'the'. Takes a plural verb: 'the needy are', not 'the needy is'. Refers to the group as a whole, not individuals.