need
gb/nˈid/ us/nˈid/
A1
English
~ 300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A1
action
1
Require something essential
To have to have or do something because it is important or you cannot be without it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'need' with 'want'; 'need' expresses necessity, not desire.
Synonyms
require (Slightly more formal; often used in official or technical contexts.)
Antonyms
not require (Indicates that something is unnecessary.)
Collocations
need help
|need money
|need time
|need attention
Themes
daily life
|work
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- I need a new phone because mine broke.
- You’ll need a passport to travel abroad.
- We need more time to finish the project.
- She needs help carrying those boxes.
Learner examples
- I need a pen.
- We need more chairs.
- Do you need water?
- They need a car.
Noun
A2
state
2
State of lacking something essential
When you do not have something important for life or comfort.
Usage pattern:
in need of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'needs' when talking about a general lack ('There is need for water'), where 'need' (singular) is correct.
Synonyms
necessity (Refers to something that must be had; often interchangeable but 'necessity' can sound more formal.)
Antonyms
abundance (Indicates having more than enough of something.)
Collocations
in need
|urgent need
|basic needs
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- There is a real need for better public transport.
- Families in need will receive support.
- The project addresses the needs of young people.
Learner examples
- I am in need of help.
- They have many needs.
- We help people in need.
Verb
A2
action
3
Be obliged to do something
To have to do something because of rules or the situation.
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes replace 'need to' with 'must' in informal conversation, but 'need to' is more common and softer in tone.
Synonyms
must ('Must' is stronger and more formal; often used for strict requirements.)
Antonyms
not have to (Indicates that there is no obligation.)
Collocations
need to comply
|need to follow
|need to act
Themes
work
|daily life
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You need to wear a helmet on this site.
- We need to submit the report by Friday.
- They need to show ID at the entrance.
Learner examples
- You need to stop here.
- I need to go now.
- We need to be on time.
Verb
B1
action
4
Strongly want something nonessential
To want something very much, even if you can live without it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs [something] badly
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the necessity sense; context usually makes it clear whether it's about desire or necessity.
Synonyms
crave ('Crave' often refers to food, experiences, or emotional needs and can sound more intense.)
Antonyms
not want (Indicates having no desire for something.)
Collocations
really need
|desperately need
Themes
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I really need a vacation right now.
- She needs some excitement in her life.
- We all need a break sometimes.
Learner examples
- I need some fun.
- We need a rest now.
- You need a holiday.
Grammar
Dictionary form
need
IPA
GB/nˈid/
US/nˈid/
Syllables & stress
need (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (need)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: need
- Plural: need, needs
Verb
- Base: need
- 3rd Person Singular: needs
- Present Participle: needing
- Past: needed
Word family
Forms
needs
noun
needing
verb
needed
verb
Core family
necessary
adjective A2
Negative and opposite forms
unnecessary
adjective B1
needless
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
needlessly
adverb
neediness
noun
Expressions
if need be
1/ˈɪf nˈid bˈi/
fixed phrase
If it becomes necessary
If it is needed or important at some time.
Examples
- We can make changes later if need be.
- If need be, I can work all weekend.
in need of
1/ˈɪn nˈid əv/
fixed phrase
Lacking something necessary
Not having something important and wanting it.
Examples
- The house is in need of repairs.
- He’s in need of some rest.
need not
1/nˈid nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
Not obliged to do something now or later
You do not have to do something now or in the future.
Examples
- You need not attend if you are busy.
- They need not apply if they lack experience.
no need to
1/nˈoʊ nˈid tə/
fixed phrase
Not necessary to do something
It is not necessary to do something.
Examples
- There’s no need to worry about it.
- No need to call me back.