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need

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noun

/niːd/

singular	need
plural	needs

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Related dictionary definitions

Get It Right!

[singular/uncountable] a situation in which it is necessary for something to be done
The bank will lend us more money, should the need arise.
need for:
The government recognizes the need for immediate action.
There isn't much need for further research.
a need to do something:
We feel there is a need to improve internal communications.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need
1. a.
  [countable] [usually plural] something that you need in order to be healthy, comfortable, successful etc
  someone's needs:
  People with mental health problems have special needs.
  meet a need (=provide what is needed):
  We want this school to meet the needs of all our children.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need
Collocations: need
Collocations
need
▪ emphasize, highlight, stress, underline, underscore

phrases

have no need of something
to not need something
We have no need of this old software now that we have a new system.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need
if need be
if necessary
I'll ask someone to help you, if need be.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need
in need
not having enough food, money, clothing, or other things that are necessary for life
families in need
We try to help those most in need.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need
in need of something
needing something
He came in tired and hungry and badly in need of a bath.
My car is in need of repair.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need
there is no need (for someone) to do something
or there is no need for something
used for saying that something does not have to be done or should not be done
There's no need for you to stay late – I can finish this.
There's no need for all this violence.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of need

Get It Right!: need

Get it right: need

When the noun need is followed by another noun, use the preposition for, not of:

✗ Due to continuous immigration from the mainland, the need of land has increased.

✓ Due to continuous immigration from the mainland, the need for land has increased.

The preposition of is used only in the fixed phrase to be in need of:

Support is available for those who are in need of it.

When the noun need is followed by a verb, use the infinitive, not the -ing form:

✗ People feel this fundamental need of organizing things.

✓ People feel this fundamental need to organize things.

This is the British English definition of need. View American English definition of need.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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Did you know?

need

What are red words?

Thesaurus

Related dictionary definitions

phrases

have no need of something

if need be

in need

in need of something

there is no need (for someone) to do something

or there is no need for something

charticle

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