What does "need" mean?

1. (to require something) to have to have something because it is necessary or very important. 2. (to be obliged) to have to do something. 3. (a requirement) something that you must have or do. 4. (poverty) a state of not having enough money, food, or a place to live.

need — meaning, definition & examples

Q: Is it correct to say "I am needing some help with my homework."?

No — say "I need some help with my homework.". In its standard sense, 'need' is a stative verb and is not usually used in the continuous (-ing) form.

Word

01to require something

A1 · Beginner

v. to have to have something because it is necessary or very important.

v. to require something because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.

“Plants need water and sunlight in order to grow well.”

“The rescue team determined that the survivors would need immediate medical attention and a supply of clean drinking water.”

Usage

This is a stative verb and is rarely used in the continuous form.

Pitfall

I am needing some help with my homework.

I need some help with my homework.

In its standard sense, 'need' is a stative verb and is not usually used in the continuous (-ing) form.

Synonyms

require demand

Antonyms

want

02to be obliged

A2 · Elementary

v. to have to do something.

v. to be under an obligation or necessity to perform an action; often used as a modal or semi-modal verb.

“You need to finish your vegetables before you can have dessert.”

“We need to address the underlying structural issues before we can proceed with the aesthetic renovations of the building.”

Usage

In negative sentences and questions, it can act like a modal verb (e.g., 'You needn't go').

Synonyms

must ought

03a requirement

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. something that you must have or do.

n. a condition or situation in which something is required or wanted.

“There is a great need for new teachers in this city.”

“The report highlighted an urgent need for increased investment in public transport to reduce urban congestion.”

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'in need of'.

Synonyms

requirement necessity

04poverty

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Literary

n. a state of not having enough money, food, or a place to live.

n. a state of extreme poverty or destitution.

“The charity works to help families who are in great need.”

“The foundation was established to provide relief to those living in dire need following the economic collapse.”

Teaching tip

This sense is quite formal; in everyday conversation, people usually say 'poverty' or 'hardship'.

Synonyms

poverty hardshipdestitution

Antonyms

wealth plenty

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “need” in context.

01. address need 02. data need 03. emphasise need 04. firstly need 05. generally need 06. highlight need 07. identify need 08. need arise 09. need assess 10. need identify 11. need reflect 12. obviate need

From Middle English need, nede, a merger of two terms: Old English nīed (West Saxon), nēd (Mercian), nēad (“necessity, compulsion, want”), from Proto-West Germanic naudi, from Proto-Germanic naudiz, from Proto-Indo-European neh₂w- (“death”). Old English nēod (“desire, longing”), from Proto-West Germanic niudi (“desire, eagerness”), from Proto-Indo-European *new- (“to incline, tend, move, push, nod, wave”).