necessity
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the fact that something must happen or be done.
the quality or state of being unavoidable or absolutely requisite.
Simple“The necessity of regular exercise for good health is well known.”
In context“The sudden economic downturn highlighted the necessity of maintaining a robust emergency fund for unforeseen corporate expenses.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
something that you must have, such as food, water, or medicine.
an indispensable item or requirement, especially for survival or a specific purpose.
Simple“A warm coat is a necessity if you plan to visit the mountains in winter.”
In context“In many remote regions, access to clean drinking water remains a basic necessity that is unfortunately not yet guaranteed for all residents.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a reason used in court to explain why someone broke a law to prevent something worse from happening.
a defence in tort or criminal law justifying an otherwise illegal act on the grounds that it prevented a greater harm.
Simple“The driver claimed necessity after speeding to get a critically injured person to the hospital.”
In context“The court had to determine whether the defendant's actions met the strict legal criteria for a necessity defence during the emergency evacuation.”
UsageOften used as a legal defence in the phrase 'defence of necessity'.
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a state of being very poor and not having the things you need.
the condition of being in desperate need or experiencing extreme poverty.
Simple“The family lived in great necessity after the factory closed down.”
In context“The novel depicts the harsh realities of those driven to desperate measures by the sheer weight of necessity and social neglect.”
“The disaster response, however, is entering a new phase as rescue teams wind down operations and aid organisations begin focusing on housing those made homeless by the earthquake and providing basic necessities.”
“Equally important is the necessity of honoring victims by remembering them, by giving them their names back.”
From Middle English necessite, from Old French necessite, from Latin necessitās (“unavoidableness, compulsion, exigency, necessity”), from necesse (“unavoidable, inevitable”); see necessary. Doublet of Necessitas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.