c. 1300, neodi, "very poor, indigent," from need (n.) + adjectival suffix -y (2). Similar formation in Dutch noodig, German nothig, Old Norse nauðigr. The sense of "needing or desiring more, not satisfied" is from early 14c. As a noun from early 15c. Related: Needily; neediness.
they try to help the needy
needlepoint
needless
needlework
needs
needways
needy
neep
neese
nefandous
nefarious
negate
