Pronunciation: [nˈiːdfə͡lnəs] (IPA) 
The word "needfulness" is spelled with the sound "nēd" at the beginning, followed by "ful" and ending with "nəs". The first sound can be written as /niːd/, with the symbol "ē" representing a long "e" sound. The "ful" sound is written as /fʊl/, with the symbol "ʊ" representing a short "u" sound. The final "nəs" sound is written as /nəs/. The word means the quality or state of being necessary or essential.
Needfulness is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being necessary, essential or crucial for a particular purpose or outcome. It conveys the idea of requiring something in order to meet a need or achieve a desired result.
In a broader sense, needfulness can also be understood as the condition of being dependent on something or someone for support, assistance or fulfillment of one's requirements or desires. It implies a sense of reliance or dependence upon external factors for satisfaction or completion.
The concept of needfulness encompasses various aspects, such as physical, emotional, or material needs. It highlights the importance and urgency of fulfilling these needs in order to maintain proper functioning, well-being, and overall satisfaction. Whether it pertains to basic physiological necessities like food, water, and shelter, or complex emotional and psychological requirements like love, affection, and validation, needfulness underscores the intrinsic human tendency to depend on certain things or people to meet our fundamental needs.
Furthermore, needfulness can also denote the level of necessity or demand that arises from a particular situation or condition. It emphasizes the compelling nature of a requirement, urging attention and action to address the underlying concern or necessity.
Overall, needfulness is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the significance and urgency of fulfilling fundamental requirements, whether they pertain to physical, emotional, psychological, or situational needs.
The state or quality of being needful.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "needfulness" originated from the combination of two root words: "need" and "-ful".
The word "need" is derived from the Old English word "nēd", which meant necessity or hardship. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*nōdiź" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*nā-", meaning to bind or force.
The suffix "-ful" is a productive suffix in English that indicates the state or quality of being characterized by the root word. It comes from the Old English suffix "-ful", which was used to form adjectives and nouns indicating "full of" or "having" a particular characteristic.
Therefore, the etymology of "needfulness" suggests that it is formed by adding the suffix "-ful" to the word "need", indicating the quality or state of being full of necessity or hardship.
