(necessities)
1.
The ~ of something is the fact that it must happen or exist.
There is agreement on the ~ of reforms...
Most women, like men, work from economic ~...
Some people have to lead stressful lifestyles out of ~.
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp
•
If you say that something is of ~ the case, you mean that it is the case because nothing else is possible or practical in the circumstances.
Negotiations between the enemies are of ~ indirect.
PHRASE: usu PHR before v, PHR n/adj/adv
2.
A ~ is something that you must have in order to live properly or do something.
Water is a basic ~ of life.
...food, fuel and other daily necessities.
= essential
? luxury
N-COUNT
3.
A situation or action that is a ~ is necessary and cannot be avoided.
The President pleaded that strong rule from the centre was a regrettable, but temporary ~.
N-COUNT: usu sing