dire need

USAGE SUMMARY

"dire need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a need that is very urgent, serious, and pressing. For example: "The charity is raising money to meet the community's dire need for medical supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a dire need".

The New York Times

An infrastructure in dire need of investment.

Independent

The dire need is right now.

The New York Times

It is in dire need of reform.

The Economist

And we are all in dire need.

The Guardian

"ECPA is under dire need of reform.

The Guardian - Tech

"Very poor people are in dire need.

The Guardian

Other historic stations are in dire need of help.

Cornell University

Patients living with autoimmunity are in dire need of help.

The New Yorker

"Are you in dire need?" the woman asked.

The New Yorker

"We are in dire need for young new leaders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dire need", ensure the context clearly establishes what is lacking and why the need is critical. For example, "The refugees are in dire need of clean water and medical supplies."

Common error

Avoid using "dire need" as a generic intensifier. Always specify what the "dire need" pertains to. Saying "The situation is in dire need" is vague. Instead, clarify: "The situation is in dire need of immediate intervention."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire need" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dire" intensifies the noun "need", highlighting the urgency and severity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to describe situations where something is critically lacking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire need" is a powerful expression used to convey extreme urgency and seriousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions as a noun phrase, with "dire" intensifying "need". Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", it suits neutral registers. When employing "dire need", specify the context to prevent vagueness and maximize impact. Alternatives like "urgent requirement" or "critical necessity" offer similar, yet nuanced, emphasis. Remember, "dire need" isn't just about urgency; it's about highlighting a critical lack that demands immediate attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgent requirement

Focuses on the necessity and time-sensitivity.

critical necessity

Emphasizes the importance and indispensability.

pressing demand

Highlights the insistence and immediacy of the need.

acute shortage

Stresses the deficiency and severity of the lack.

desperate want

Conveys a sense of extreme urgency and desire.

immediate crisis

Indicates a critical situation requiring prompt action.

exigent circumstance

Highlights the demanding and pressing nature of the situation.

paramount importance

Shifts focus to the supreme significance of addressing the need.

vital imperative

Emphasizes the essential and mandatory nature.

grave emergency

Underlines the seriousness and urgency of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "dire need" in a sentence?

Use "dire need" to emphasize the urgency and seriousness of a requirement. For instance, "The hospital is in "dire need" of blood donations" or "After the hurricane, the affected communities were in "dire need" of shelter".

What are some alternatives to "dire need"?

You can use phrases like "urgent requirement", "critical necessity", or "pressing demand" to convey a similar sense of urgency and importance.

Is it better to say "dire need" or "urgent need"?

"Dire need" emphasizes a more extreme level of urgency and seriousness compared to "urgent need". Choose "dire need" when the situation is critical and life-threatening, while "urgent need" is suitable for situations requiring prompt attention but are less severe.

What does "dire need" imply about a situation?

"Dire need" implies that a situation is extremely serious, critical, and requires immediate attention to prevent severe consequences. It suggests a lack of essential resources or support that could lead to significant harm or loss.