American Dictionary

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Definition necessity in American English

necessity noun

noun
/nəˈsesəti/
1

a process, thing, or action that is needed in a situation

Example

the necessity for a strong diplomatic effort

Example

doubts about the necessity of the war

Example

Women increasingly went out to work, usually out of economic necessity.

Example

We both recognize the necessity to get this right.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

something that is difficult or unpleasant but cannot be avoided

Example

Raising taxes has become a necessity.

Synonyms and related words
2

something that you must have in order to live, work, or do something

Example

A car is a necessity in this town.

Example

They lacked even the bare necessities of life.

Synonyms and related words
Definition necessity in American English