What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
needy
Example
The charity organization helps provide food and shelter for the needy. [needy: adjective]
Example
She felt needy and sought comfort from her friends. [needy: adjective]
desperate
Example
The refugees were in a desperate situation, fleeing their war-torn country. [desperate: adjective]
Example
He was desperate for a job and applied to every company he could find. [desperate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Needy is more commonly used in everyday language than desperate. Needy is a common term used to describe people who require assistance or support, while desperate is often reserved for more extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between needy and desperate?
Needy is generally considered a more formal term than desperate. Needy is often used in professional or academic contexts, while desperate is more commonly used in informal or emotional contexts.
