Need vs. Needs: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Need" refers to a requirement or necessity for survival or well-being, while "needs" is the plural form, denoting multiple requirements or necessities.
Key Differences
"Need" is used to describe a singular requirement or necessity that is essential for someone or something. "Needs," as the plural form, refers to several requirements or necessities.
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Dec 05, 2023
"Need" often indicates a specific, individual necessity. In contrast, "needs" encompasses a range of necessities that can be required by an individual, group, or situation.
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Dec 05, 2023
In grammar, "need" can function as both a noun and a verb, whereas "needs" is primarily used as a noun in its plural form.
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Dec 05, 2023
"Need" can express urgency or importance of a single necessity. "Needs," however, implies a collection of essential requirements.
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Dec 05, 2023
In the context of human welfare, "need" might refer to a critical requirement like food or shelter, while "needs" could encompass a broader spectrum, including emotional and physical necessities.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context
Implies urgency for one necessity
Encompasses a range of necessities
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Dec 05, 2023
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Need and Needs Definitions
Need
A situation or condition requiring a particular thing.
There's a need for more affordable housing in the city.
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Nov 26, 2023
Needs
Plural form of need, indicating multiple requirements.
Her job fulfills both her financial and emotional needs.
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Nov 26, 2023
Need
The state of requiring help, or assistance.
After the storm, the community was in great need.
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Nov 26, 2023
Needs
Different desires or wishes in a particular context.
The survey will help us understand the needs of local residents.
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Nov 26, 2023
Need
An obligation or duty that one must do.
She felt the need to apologize for her mistake.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Needs
A collection of factors requiring attention or resolution.
Addressing the needs of the environment is crucial.
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Nov 26, 2023
Need
A condition or situation in which something must be supplied in order for a certain condition to be maintained or a desired state to be achieved
Crops in need of water.
A child's need for affection.
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Oct 19, 2023
Needs
Multiple obligations or duties in a given situation.
As a teacher, she has to balance the needs of all her students.
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Nov 26, 2023
Need
Something required or wanted; a requisite
"Those of us who led the charge for these women's issues ... shared a common vision in the needs of women" (Olympia Snowe).
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Oct 19, 2023
Needs
Various essential items necessary for living.
The charity aims to provide the basic needs of food and shelter.
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Nov 26, 2023
Needs
(archaic) Either directly or indirectly preceded or followed by an auxiliary verb, often must: of necessity or need; necessarily, indispensably.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
To be under the necessity of or the obligation to
They need not come. You needn't be concerned.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
To have need of; require
The family needs money. We need to get some more paint.
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Oct 19, 2023
Needs
Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; - often with must, and equivalent to of need.
A man must needs love mauger his head.
And he must needs go through Samaria.
He would needs know the cause of his repulse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
To have an obligation (to do something)
You need to clean up your room.
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Oct 19, 2023
Needs
In such a manner as could not be otherwise;
It is necessarily so
We must needs by objective
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
To be subject (to an action) by obligation
Bags need to be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
A requirement for something; something needed.
There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.
She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.
Our needs are not being met.
I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
(transitive) To have an absolute requirement for.
Living things need water to survive.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
(transitive) To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.
After ten days of hiking, I needed a shower and a shave.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
(modal verb) To be obliged or required (to do something).
You need not go if you don't want to.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
A state that requires supply or relief; pressing occasion for something; necessity; urgent want.
And the city had no need of the sun.
I have no need to beg.
Be governed by your needs, not by your fancy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
Famine is in thy cheeks;Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
That which is needful; anything necessary to be done; (pl.) necessary things; business.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
To be in want of; to have cause or occasion for; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.
Other creatures all day longRove idle, unemployed, and less need rest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
To be wanted; to be necessary.
When we have done it, we have done all that is in our power, and all that needs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
A condition requiring relief;
She satisfied his need for affection
God has no need of men to accomplish His work
There is a demand for jobs
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
Anything that is necessary but lacking;
He had sufficient means to meet his simple needs
I tried to supply his wants
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior;
We did not understand his motivation
He acted with the best of motives
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
A state of extreme poverty or destitution;
Their indigence appalled him
A general state of need exists among the homeless
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
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Oct 19, 2023
Need
A requirement necessary for survival or well-being.
Water is a basic need for all living beings.
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Nov 26, 2023
Need
A desire or wish for something to happen or be done.
He expressed a need to travel and see the world.
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Nov 26, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are 'needs' always physical?
No, 'needs' can be emotional, social, or physical.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can 'needs' vary from person to person?
Yes, individuals have different needs.
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Dec 05, 2023
What is a need in economics?
A necessity for survival or basic functioning.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is there a hierarchy of needs?
Yes, as proposed in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
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Dec 05, 2023
What are examples of human needs?
Examples include love, security, and belonging.
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Dec 05, 2023
How does culture influence needs?
Cultural values can shape what is considered a need.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can a need become a want?
Yes, as circumstances change, needs can become wants.
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Dec 05, 2023
What is a psychological need?
A requirement for mental well-being, like self-esteem.
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Dec 05, 2023
How do needs change over time?
Needs can evolve with age, situation, and context.
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Dec 05, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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