Neediness (noun)
Definition:
Neediness refers to a strong desire for attention, affection, and reassurance from others. It can also describe a state of being very poor or lacking basic necessities.
Simple Explanation:
When someone is feeling needy, it means they really want love, care, or support from other people. In another sense, if a place or person is in a state of neediness, they have very little money or resources.
Usage Instructions:
Emotional Context: Use "neediness" when talking about someone's emotional state or their desire for closeness and support.
Economic Context: You can also use it to describe situations where people or communities lack financial resources.
Examples:
Emotional Context: "After her friend moved away, she felt a lot of neediness because she missed having someone to talk to."
Economic Context: "The neediness in the community was evident as many families struggled to afford food and shelter."
Advanced Usage:
In psychology, neediness can be discussed in terms of attachment styles, where individuals might seek excessive reassurance from their partners due to insecurity.
In discussions about social issues, neediness might refer to systemic poverty or lack of access to resources.
Word Variants:
Needy (adjective): Someone who is needy often seeks attention and affection. Example: "He can be quite needy in relationships."
Need (verb): To require something. Example: "She needs support during tough times."
Different Meanings:
Emotional Neediness: A psychological state where a person feels insecure and seeks validation from others.
Financial Neediness: A socioeconomic condition where individuals or groups lack sufficient financial resources.
Synonyms:
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"In need of" - This phrase means requiring something. Example: "She is in need of a good friend."
"Need someone like a hole in the head" - This idiom means you don't really need someone at all, often used humorously.
Summary:
Neediness can refer to both emotional desires for connection and affection, as well as a lack of resources in a financial sense.