A need is a human requirement for something required to meet an essential function in the context of life. It is contrasted with a want, which may be more of a desire or aspiration, and it is generally considered that needs are necessary, while wants are desirable. The concept of needs is widely discussed in fields such as philosophy, biology, psychology, social science and economics.
Some academics use the term need to refer to basic or fundamental requirements, which are a necessary condition for a person’s survival and well-being. Others use it more broadly to include any requirement that a person feels they have to fulfill. In this sense, the concept is broader than Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
The word need can be used to describe a number of things, from physical resources such as food, shelter and water, to psychological needs like feeling connected and loved. It can also be used to refer to the capacity to participate in a societal setting, which is considered an inherent requirement for human flourishing. This view is similar to the capability approach developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum.
People can sometimes confuse the concepts of need and want, especially when discussing financial priorities. For example, while a person needs to pay for food, rent and other utilities, they might prefer to spend their money on designer clothing instead. Regardless, both needs and wants are vital to a person’s wellbeing. The distinction is important, because it can help to inform the choices people make about how they live their lives.
The concept of need is important in many areas, including education, healthcare and business. In the latter two, there is often talk of “employee needs” or “customer needs.” The concept is also a major focus of many political debates and discussions about economic policy.
In general, a need is a deficiency that causes harm or results in a dysfunctional state (like hunger or malnutrition). In contrast, a want is an aspiration or desire, and it does not necessarily result in any harm or dysfunction.
Another important distinction is between countable and uncountable nouns. Countable nouns require an article such as the or a, and uncountable nouns do not need an article. For example, a student requires a book to study for the exam but does not need a five-star hotel to sleep in.
Good usage of articles can make your writing clearer and easier to read. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules of using articles in English. A good place to start is with an English learner’s dictionary, which is available free of charge online. Once you have familiarized yourself with the rules, practice identifying when an article is required and when it is not. The more you practise, the better you will become. Then you will be able to write more clearly in any language, whether it is English or not.