# thirsty

/ˈθɝsti/ (US) · /θˈɜːsti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thirsty
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. needing a drink

adjective · CEFR A1

feeling a need to drink something because you are dry.

For teachers: experiencing a physical desire or need for liquid refreshment.

- We were very thirsty after walking in the sun all afternoon.
- The hikers arrived at the summit feeling incredibly thirsty, having exhausted their water supply hours before reaching the final ridge.

### 2. craving something

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

having a strong desire for something, like power or knowledge.

For teachers: having a vehement or eager desire for something immaterial.

- The young student was thirsty for any information about her family history.
- The ambitious politician appeared thirsty for power, seizing every opportunity to undermine his rivals during the televised debate.

### 3. desperate for attention

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

acting in a way that shows you are desperate for attention or romantic interest.

For teachers: showing a desperate or excessive need for attention, approval, or romantic interest.

- He keeps posting gym selfies because he is thirsty for likes.
- Her constant stream of dramatic updates made her look thirsty for validation from people she barely knew in real life.

Usage: Often used to describe social media behaviour.

Teaching tip: This is a very modern, informal use; it is often used as a criticism of someone's social media posts.

## Examples

- I am very thirsty after that long walk.
- He posted five selfies in one hour, which made him look a bit thirsty for attention.
- While the physical sensation of being thirsty is easily quenched with water, the metaphorical thirst for social validation often requires a more complex psychological resolution.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.