necessity
/nɪˈsɛsəti/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: necessities
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The quality or state of being necessary, unavoidable, or absolutely requisite.
Noun
Examples
I bought a new table out of necessity. My old one was ruined.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The condition of being needy; desperate need; lack.
Noun
Examples
For it is in vain for a man to think to seek God in his necessity and exigence, if he seek not God in his ordinances, and do not joy in them.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “necessity” mean?
The quality or state of being necessary, unavoidable, or absolutely requisite.
Is “necessity” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.