necessity

ne-ces-si-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state or fact of being required or indispensable.

  2. 2.

    Something that is essential or indispensable.

  3. 3.

    The condition of being in need or difficulty.

Forms

plural: necessities

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    of necessity — Unavoidably; necessarily.
  • •
    necessity is the mother of invention — Difficult situations inspire creative solutions.

Related words

Antonyms: choice, luxury, option
See also: essential, necessary, need
Synonyms: essential, need, requirement

Etymology

From Old French necessité, from Latin necessitas ("unavoidableness, compulsion"), from necesse ("unavoidable, necessary").