- [singular, uncountable] a situation when something is necessary or must be done
- to satisfy/meet/fulfil a need
- need for something There is an urgent need for qualified teachers.
- a desperate/pressing need for something
- They identified a need for further training.
- need for somebody/something to do something There is no need for you to get up early tomorrow.
- need to do something There's no need to cry (= stop crying).
- I had no need to open the letter—I knew what it would say.
- in need of something The house is in need of a thorough clean.
- We will contact you again if the need arises.
Extra ExamplesTopics Permission and obligationa2- A need exists to bridge the gap between theory and practice in nursing.
- Early intervention frequently eliminates the need for surgery.
- He's in constant need of treatment.
- I avoid the need to travel by plane.
- I see no need to do anything hasty.
- I understand and support their need to make a living.
- Research is currently driven by the need to reduce pollution.
- Several governments have expressed the need for a cautious approach to the conflict.
- She stressed the need for cooperation with the authorities.
- The government has denied the need for economic reform.
- The incident proved the need for a continuing military presence in the area.
- The room was sorely in need of a fresh coat of paint.
- The system can be switched to emergency power should the need arise.
- The war created a need for national unity.
- There is a great need for English language classes.
- There is a special need for well-trained teachers.
- There's no need to worry.
- a crying need for skilled workers
- a law reflecting a need for better social conditions
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- big
- considerable
- great
- …
- feel
- have
- express
- …
- exist
- arise
- in need (of)
- need for
- any, little, no, etc. need
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- [countable, uncountable] a strong feeling that you want somebody/something or must have something
- to fulfil an emotional need
- It’s difficult to express our needs and desires.
- need to do something She felt the need to talk to someone.
- in need of somebody/something I'm in need of some fresh air.
- She had no more need of me.
Extra Examples- I felt the need to do something.
- our common need for self-preservation
- the human need to order existence
- the need for change
- Our staff will cater to your every need.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- big
- considerable
- great
- …
- feel
- have
- express
- …
- exist
- arise
- in need (of)
- need for
- any, little, no, etc. need
- [countable, usually plural] the things that somebody requires in order to live in a comfortable way or achieve what they want
- First we will assess your financial needs.
- Food, clothing and shelter are basic human needs.
- We will devise a programme to suit your individual needs.
- Your role will be to support children with special educational needs.
- We try to balance the needs of all our customers.
Extra Examples- material needs of food and drink
- a new union set up to address the needs of seasonal labourers
- We have now met most of the humanitarian needs of the refugees.
- The coaching is informal and tailored to individual needs.
- £10 a day was enough to cover all his needs.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- basic
- essential
- fundamental
- …
- be responsive to
- be sensitive to
- address
- …
- needs and desires
- somebody’s every need
- [uncountable] the state of not having enough food, money or support synonym hardship
- in need The charity aims to provide assistance to people in need.
- These children are in dire need.
- He helped me in my hour of need (= at the time when I really needed help).
Word OriginOld English nēodian (verb), nēod, nēd (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nood and German Not ‘danger’.
Idioms
See need in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee need in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englisha crying need (for something)
- a great and desperate need for something
- There is a crying need for more funds.
a friend in need (is a friend indeed)
- (saying) a friend who gives you help when you need it (is a true friend)
if need be
- if necessary
- There's always food in the freezer if need be.
Check pronunciation:
need