What does necessity mean?
A necessity is something that is required because it is essential, unavoidable, or necessary for a particular purpose. The word commonly describes practical needs, such as food, shelter, or access to medical care, as in “basic human necessities.” It can also refer to a situation in which action is unavoidable: an emergency may make immediate action a necessity. In formal and historical contexts, necessity can mean logical or philosophical inevitability, as when a conclusion is described as a necessity. The term is often stronger and more categorical than “need,” because it suggests that something is indispensable rather than merely useful or desirable. At the same time, describing something as a necessity can imply that circumstances leave no meaningful choice. This makes the word useful for discussing both practical requirements and the constraints that force decisions.
nounSomething that is necessary or required; an unavoidable need, condition, or circumstance. It can also refer to the state of being required or indispensable.
- Something that is required or necessary.
- A condition or circumstance that is unavoidable and admits no practical alternative.
"Access to clean water is a basic necessity for public health."
"The team treated extra security checks as a necessary precaution."
"When the road was flooded, walking through the river became a matter of necessity."
Usually used for essential requirements or basic provisions, especially food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities of life.
"The charity provides food and other basic necessities to families in need."
A necessity is something you cannot do without—but calling it a “necessity” can also quietly imply that you have no real choice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does necessity come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old French nécessité, which was derived from Latin necessitas, “necessity, need.” These forms came from necessarius, “necessary,” ultimately connected with Latin necesse, “necessary” or “unavoidable.” The English derivatives necessary, necessarily, and necessitate belong to the same Latin family.
Related word forms
How necessity is actually used
Generally formal or neutral in register. In everyday use, “necessity” can imply that a situation is unavoidable, sometimes suggesting that there is little or no practical alternative.