I. ˈnēdē, -di adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English nedy, from ned need + -y
: marked by want of the means of living : poverty-stricken
needy families
the needy blind
the neediest cases
Synonyms: see poor
II. noun, singular or plural in construction
: one that is unable to maintain economic self-sufficiency or that must receive public or private assistance of some kind
take care of the needy
III. adjective
: marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support
pathetically needy for affection — N.W. Aldrich Jr.