Necessity Meaning

UK /nəˈsɛsɪti/
US /nəˈsɛsɪti/
Word Definition
necessity meaning

Necessity Definition & Usage

noun

The state or fact of being required, essential, or unavoidable. A basic requirement or condition for life, comfort, or survival.

Examples

  • "Food and water are necessities for survival."
  • "In this remote village, electricity is a necessity for the community's growth."
  • "Access to education is considered a necessity for social progress."
  • "For a successful career, having a strong network of contacts is a professional necessity."
  • "The medicine was a necessity for the patient's recovery."
noun

A situation or condition that is unavoidable or inevitable, often used in philosophical or logical contexts to refer to something that must happen due to certain causes or conditions.

Examples

  • "The necessity of the law of gravity has been proven through centuries of observation."
  • "In his view, poverty is a necessity imposed by an unequal economic system."
  • "The necessity of facing one's mistakes is part of human growth."
  • "The necessity of government action during a crisis is evident in history."
  • "For the philosopher, necessity in the universe is a fundamental concept, one that dictates how events unfold."
noun

A product or service essential to the operation of a business or to the functioning of an economy. Often, it refers to something that is always in demand, regardless of economic conditions.

Examples

  • "Electricity is a necessity for manufacturing industries."
  • "During recessions, the demand for basic necessities like food and healthcare tends to remain steady."
  • "Mobile phones have become a necessity in modern business practices."
  • "In emerging markets, access to clean water is a growing necessity."
  • "Transport is a key necessity for e-commerce to thrive."

Cultural Context

The word 'necessity' comes from the Latin word 'necessitas', which means 'the quality of being necessary or inevitable'. It has a long history of use in philosophical, social, and economic contexts, often referring to things that are required for survival or functioning. In everyday speech, it often refers to items or conditions that are seen as essential for comfort or well-being.

The Necessity of Change

Story

The Necessity of Change

In a quiet town nestled between hills, Emma ran a small bakery that had been in her family for generations. The aroma of fresh bread often drifted through the streets, drawing customers from miles away. But in recent months, business had slowed. The regulars had fewer coins to spare, and new faces were rare. One morning, as Emma sat by the window, pondering her options, she realized the necessity of change. 'What we need,' she thought, 'is something that people can't do without.' She had always prided herself on baking the finest pastries, but now, she needed to think bigger, beyond just bread. What was truly necessary for her customers? It was clear: food. But more than that, it was affordable, nourishing food that would support families through the tough times. The next week, Emma launched a new line of budget-friendly meal kits—simple ingredients for home-cooked meals. The response was overwhelming. It turned out that people weren’t just coming to her for a treat anymore. They were coming for something they needed. 'You’re a lifesaver,' one of her regulars said, her eyes shining with gratitude as she collected her weekly box. As Emma expanded her offerings, she realized that the necessity of adapting to the changing world wasn’t just about feeding stomachs—it was about understanding people’s shifting needs. She knew now that survival wasn’t just about offering a product—it was about offering a solution to something fundamental. In the months that followed, Emma’s bakery grew, not just in sales but in reputation. It became a cornerstone of the community, a place where necessity met kindness, where change wasn’t feared but embraced.

The Necessity of Change