B2noun1K

Demand

UK /["/dɪˈmɑːnd/"]/US /["/dɪˈmænd/"]/

Definition

a very strong request for something; something that somebody needs

In simple words: To ask for something forcefully.

Examples

  • The demand for organic food has been steadily increasing over the past few years.
  • He made a demand for a higher salary during the negotiations.
  • The coach recognized the physical demand of the training regimen on the athletes.
  • There is a high demand for skilled workers in the technology sector.
  • The project faced challenges due to the unexpected demand it put on resources.

Usage notes

Use 'demand' when you want something with urgency or authority. It's neutral but can be seen as aggressive in casual situations. Avoid using it when making polite requests.

Grammar pattern

demand + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'demanding' boss who always wants things done right away.

Collocations

  • legitimate
  • realistic
  • reasonable
  • issue
  • make
  • present
  • on demand
  • demand for
  • demand from
  • considerable
  • enormous
  • excessive
  • impose
  • make
  • place
  • demand on
  • demand upon
  • big
  • buoyant
  • considerable
  • level
  • accommodate
  • cope with
  • fulfil/​fulfill
  • grow
  • increase
  • rise
  • in demand
  • demand among
  • demand for
  • supply and demand

Synonyms

  • insist
  • request
  • require
  • demanding
  • necessitate

Antonyms

  • surrender
  • yield
  • give

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'require' — 'demand' is stronger than 'require'.
  • Using 'demand' without an object — it needs something to demand.
  • Mixing it up with 'request' — 'request' is more polite.