hierarchy of needs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hierarchy of needs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a system of motivational needs arranged according to their relative importance. For example, "Maslow's hierarchy of needs is one of the most widely accepted models of human motivation, consisting of five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

The New York Times - Magazine

It's the classic hierarchy of needs.

The New York Times

I thought of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

The New York Times

You want to use Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

The New Yorker

Sex is in the hierarchy of needs, too.

The New York Times

Mr. Young: It's in the hierarchy of needs.

The New York Times

We touched the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

The New York Times

Maslow's hierarchy of needs argues that the most basic human needs are for food, shelter etc.

The Guardian

A more comprehensive theory of motivation is the humanistic, incorporating Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

The Guardian

Maslow has proposed that human motivation can be understood as resulting from a hierarchy of needs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I always told candidates to think as much about the psychology of Maslow's "hierarchy of needs" as any market research.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivation or human development, using "hierarchy of needs" is most effective when you clearly define which needs are at each level and how they relate to each other.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "hierarchy of needs" is a rigid, linear progression for everyone. Individuals may prioritize needs differently based on their unique circumstances and cultural backgrounds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hierarchy of needs" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it identifies a structured system or ranking of human requirements, from basic survival needs to self-fulfillment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hierarchy of needs" is a well-established term, particularly within psychology and related fields, used to describe a structured system of human motivations. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific research. While often associated with Maslow's theory, the concept generally refers to any ranked system of essential requirements. When writing about this topic, remember the framework may not apply universally due to individual and cultural differences. Alternatives like "ranking of priorities" or "scale of requirements" can be used for broader applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ranking of priorities

Focuses on the ordered arrangement of what's most important.

scale of requirements

Emphasizes the graded levels of essential needs.

system of essential needs

Highlights a structured arrangement of indispensable requirements.

framework of needs

Underscores the structural organization of necessities.

class of needs

Emphasizes a categorization of needs based on certain criteria.

prioritization of needs

Highlights the act of ordering needs by importance.

priority of needs

Focuses on the relative importance of different needs.

level of needs

Refers to a specific stratum within a structured set of needs.

range of needs

Describes the breadth of requirements within a system.

structure of needs

Highlights the organizational arrangement of the needs.

FAQs

How can I use "hierarchy of needs" in a sentence?

You can use "hierarchy of needs" to explain different levels of human motivation, for example: "Maslow's "hierarchy of needs" suggests that basic physiological needs must be met before individuals can pursue self-actualization".

What is an alternative to saying "hierarchy of needs"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "ranking of priorities", "scale of requirements", or "system of essential needs".

Is it correct to say "hierarchy of needs"?

Yes, "hierarchy of needs" is a correct and widely recognized term, particularly in psychology and related fields. It refers to a structured system where needs are ranked in order of importance.

What's the difference between "hierarchy of needs" and "prioritization of needs"?

"Hierarchy of needs" typically refers to a specific theoretical framework, often Maslow's, while "prioritization of needs" is a more general term for ranking needs based on their importance.