Definition

Describing someone who is in need or lacking basic necessities, often due to poverty.

Example

The charity aims to support necessitous families in the community.

Conversation

I saw a documentary about people in necessitous situations yesterday.

That sounds really eye-opening. What was it about?

It focused on how they struggle to get basic needs met.

Wow, that makes you appreciate what we have so much more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Necessitous is formed from "necessitas" (meaning necessity) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of). The word describes a state of being full of necessity or being in need.

Memory Tip

Think of 'necessity' to remember that 'necessitous' means being full of need or in a state of necessity.

Visually Confused Words