fundamental needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental needs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the basic requirements essential for human survival and well-being, such as food, water, shelter, and safety. Example: "In order to thrive, individuals must have their fundamental needs met before they can focus on higher-level aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something more fundamental needs to be done".

The Guardian

These are our most fundamental needs as social creatures.

The Guardian - Opinion

But we're also social animals, and as social animals, we have fundamental needs.

The Guardian - Opinion

She said there are two fundamental needs that need to be addressed.

The New York Times

"Housing is one of the most fundamental needs of our people," Mr. Lazio said.

The New York Times

Creative ideas need to emerge that will address the fundamental needs of both sides".

The New York Times

Lost were the fundamental needs of a system that provides more than 1.6 million rides each weekday.

The New York Times

For some patients, he said, it is a matter of choosing between such fundamental needs as food and gas and their medical care.

The New York Times

Sometimes it is difficult to meet both these fundamental needs – for a loving family, and for ethnicity to be acknowledged and at least partially reflected.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a completely degraded liberal outlook that views the fundamental needs of a society in terms of the availability of footpath wine.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the chief lessons of his childhood had to do with scarcity — the necessity of exchange to even the most fundamental needs — and, above all, thrift.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal well-being, use "fundamental needs" to underscore the essential requirements that must be met for a population to thrive. For example: "Access to clean water is one of the "fundamental needs" that governments must address."

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental needs" to describe non-essential wants or preferences. This dilutes the phrase's impact and misrepresents its meaning. Always ensure the context genuinely involves basic necessities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental needs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the basic requirements necessary for survival and well-being. Ludwig examples show it used to describe essential requirements in various contexts, ranging from personal well-being to societal stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental needs" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe essential requirements for survival and well-being. It's most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "basic necessities" and "essential requirements". As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to basic requirements for survival. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves basic necessities to avoid overstating the importance of non-essential wants.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic necessities

Replaces "fundamental needs" with a more direct term emphasizing essential items for survival.

essential requirements

Emphasizes the necessity aspect of the needs, focusing on what is indispensable.

core demands

Focuses on the most important requirements, suggesting a sense of urgency or priority.

vital requisites

Replaces "needs" with a more formal word for 'requirements', highlighting the importance of these.

primary imperatives

Highlights the compulsory and top-priority nature of these needs.

indispensable provisions

Highlights that these are not only needed, but are crucial to be provided.

elemental wants

Conveys that these are the simplest, most basic desires that must be satisfied.

underlying necessities

Focuses on needs that form the foundation for everything else.

foundational needs

Emphasizes that these needs are the groundwork on which further development depends.

bottom-line requirements

Draws attention to the most irreducible and critical needs that must be addressed.

FAQs

What are some examples of "fundamental needs"?

Examples of "fundamental needs" include food, water, shelter, safety, and basic healthcare. These are the necessities required for survival and well-being.

How can I use "fundamental needs" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental needs" in a sentence like this: "The government's primary responsibility is to ensure that all citizens have access to their "fundamental needs".

What is the difference between "fundamental needs" and "basic needs"?

The terms "fundamental needs" and "basic needs" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to essential requirements for survival and well-being.

What are some synonyms for "fundamental needs"?

Synonyms for "fundamental needs" include "essential requirements", "basic necessities", and "core demands", all of which refer to the essential elements required for survival and well-being.