Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

neediness

[nee-dee-nis] / ˈni di nɪs /
NOUN
poverty
Synonyms
STRONG
abjection aridity bankruptcy barrenness beggary dearth debt deficiency deficit depletion destitution difficulty distress emptiness exiguity famine hardship impecuniousness impoverishment inadequacy indigence insolvency insufficiency lack meagerness necessity need pass paucity pauperism pennilessness penuriousness penury pinch poorness privation reduction scarcity shortage starvation straits underdevelopment vacancy want
WEAK
impecuniosity necessitousness
Antonyms
STRONG
abundance adequacy advantage affluence benefit blessing comfort ease enough excess fill lot pleasure plenty profit satisfaction sufficiency surplus wealth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And what defines neediness, especially for families with children in college?

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

Authorities such as James Serpell have suggested that these dogs’ neediness brings out our maternal instincts, Herzog noted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

At other times, Poinsettia’s rampant neediness comes spilling out, resulting in anger or despair.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025

The movies all showcase mothers and sons; many of them seek to untangle relationships knotted and gnarled by neediness, selfishness or cruelty.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Her eyes are closed, her voice is pure neediness, pure woe.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.