B2noun2K

Necessity

UK /["/nəˈsesəti/"]/US /["/nəˈsesəti/"]/

Definition

the fact that something must happen or be done; the need for something

In simple words: Something very important or needed.

Examples

  • Food and water are basic necessities for survival.
  • In times of necessity, people often find inner strength they did not know they had.
  • The necessity of wearing a seatbelt is enforced by law in many countries.
  • Due to the necessity of quick decisions in emergencies, training is essential.
  • Necessity forced her to take a job she didn’t like.
  • He realized the necessity of updating the software to prevent security risks.

Usage notes

Use 'necessity' when discussing something essential, especially in formal contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words like 'need' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

necessity + of/object

Memory hint

Necessity sounds like 'necessary tea' - imagine tea that you absolutely need to have!

Collocations

  • absolute
  • fundamental
  • sheer
  • become
  • recognize
  • see
  • arise
  • dictate (something)
  • require (something)
  • of necessity
  • out of necessity
  • through necessity
  • any necessity
  • no necessity
  • absolute
  • vital
  • real
  • have
  • lack
  • a necessity of life
  • absolute
  • fundamental
  • sheer
  • become
  • recognize
  • see
  • arise
  • dictate (something)
  • require (something)
  • of necessity
  • out of necessity
  • through necessity
  • any necessity
  • no necessity

Synonyms

  • requirement
  • need
  • essential
  • must-have
  • requisite

Antonyms

  • luxury
  • option
  • extravagance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'accessory' - thinking necessity means unimportant.
  • Using 'necessity' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing 'necessity' to 'necessities' in non-count situations.