The word "necessitousness" is spelled with several hard-to-pronounce consonant clusters. The first syllable starts with the voiced dental fricative /ð/ (as in "then") followed by the voiceless alveolar stop /t/. The next cluster is even trickier: the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ is immediately followed by the voiceless velar stop /k/ and the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ again. The final syllable is a bit easier, with the voiced alveolar nasal /n/ followed by the voiced alveolar approximant /j/ (like the "y" in "yes"). Overall, the word is quite a mouthful!
Necessitousness is a noun derived from the adjective "necessitous," which refers to a state of extreme need, poverty, or deprivation. It describes a condition or quality of being in a desperate or dire situation where basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, are lacking or scarce.
This term is typically used to describe individuals or communities who face severe economic hardships, often resulting from factors beyond their control, such as unemployment, economic downturns, natural disasters, or war. Necessitousness implies a sense of urgency and urgency for immediate assistance, emphasizing the pressing need for external aid or support to alleviate the difficult circumstances.
The concept of necessitousness highlights the vulnerability and helplessness of those affected by extreme poverty or destitution. It implies a state of dependence on others or the assistance of social programs, charitable organizations, or government initiatives. Necessitousness goes beyond a general lack or scarcity, representing a critical and urgent situation requiring immediate attention and intervention. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who are economically marginalized and often highlights the importance of social welfare policies and humanitarian actions aimed at addressing these needs effectively.
Extreme poverty or destitution: of necessity, by necessary consequence; by compulsion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "necessitousness" is derived from the adjective "necessitous", which comes from the Latin word "necessitōsus". The Latin term is formed from the noun "necessitas", meaning "need" or "necessity", and the suffix "-osus", indicating "full of" or "abounding in". Over time, "necessitous" evolved into an adjective meaning "in need" or "needy". The noun form "necessitousness" refers to the state or quality of being necessitous or needy.