necessity
noun
ne·ces·si·ty
ni-ˈse-sə-tē
-ˈse-stē
plural necessities
1
: the quality or state of being necessary
He questioned the necessity for the change.
2
a
: pressure of circumstance
The plane was compelled by necessity to change its course.
b
: physical or moral compulsion
did it, not because he wanted to, but by necessity
c
: impossibility of a contrary order or condition
submitting to the necessity imposed by the physical laws of the universe
3
: the quality or state of being in need
4
a
: something that is necessary : requirement
Many families could not afford the bare necessities of life.
b
: an urgent need or desire
When his father collapsed, an ambulance became a necessity.
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/necessity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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