in extreme need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in extreme need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone requires urgent assistance or resources. Example: "The charity organization is dedicated to helping families in extreme need during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Resource-constrained countries are in extreme need of pre-hospital emergency care systems.

"If this disastrous strategy succeeded, hundreds of people in extreme need would once again no longer be helped".

Rather, virtue is the result of unalloyed private endeavour and justice should be paid for – except in extreme need – by individuals.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Resource-constrained countries are in extreme need of pre-hospital emergency care systems.

African Journal of Emergency Medicine

"If this disastrous strategy succeeded, hundreds of people in extreme need would once again no longer be helped".

The New Yorker

Rather, virtue is the result of unalloyed private endeavour and justice should be paid for – except in extreme need – by individuals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Food shortages are expected to peak between October, when supplies will run lowest, and March, when the next harvest is due, so the number of people in extreme need is expected to rise significantly if insufficient assistance is given.

The Guardian

At the same time, the state system of a social fund and crisis loans is being wound down, so emergency cash payments from the welfare system for those deemed to be in extreme need are now exceptionally difficult to procure.

The Guardian

The growing use of food banks – the provision of emergency food supplies to people in extreme need – has dogged David Cameron since it became a regular feature of prime minister's question time, about three years ago.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Across Europe, specifically, I've seen members of the Church who have experienced a joyful awakening and enriching of the soul as they have responded to that deep, innate desire to reach out and serve those in such extreme need around them". Elder Kearon's report on the Church's contributions were not boastful.

HuffPost

Across Europe, specifically, I've seen members of the Church who have experienced a joyful awakening and enriching of the soul as they have responded to that deep, innate desire to reach out and serve those in such extreme need around them".

Huffington Post

Free Clinic in South Los Angeles, said that, in cases of extreme need, he passes out a small number of taxi vouchers that have been donated for use in emergencies.

Los Angeles Times

The World Bank will invest heavily in clean energy and only fund coal projects in "circumstances of extreme need" because climate change will undermine efforts to eliminate extreme poverty, says its president Jim Yong Kim.

The Guardian

Implicit in Thomson's argument is also a point about gender equality: since we do not in general compel people (i.e., women and men) to donate use of their bodies to others even in cases of extreme need, then why do we think we are justified in only compelling women?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in extreme need", consider specifying the area of need to provide clarity and context. For example, instead of saying "families in extreme need", say "families in extreme need of food and shelter".

Common error

Avoid pairing "in extreme need" with overly emotional or sensational language. While the phrase itself conveys urgency, excessive embellishment can undermine credibility. Maintain a balanced tone to ensure your message is taken seriously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in extreme need" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to people or groups. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in extreme need" effectively conveys a critical lack of essential resources or support, indicating a situation demanding urgent attention. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communications. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details regarding the type of need to enhance clarity and avoid overuse with sensational language to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as ""in dire straits"" or ""badly in need"" may be suitable depending on the specific context and intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire necessity

Similar to "in extreme need" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the urgency and essential nature of the requirement.

badly in need

Focuses on the intensity of the need, indicating a significant deficiency or lack.

in desperate circumstances

Highlights the urgency and severity of the situation, suggesting a need for immediate action.

in dire straits

Emphasizes a difficult or dangerous situation, often implying a lack of resources or options.

in acute distress

Highlights the suffering and hardship experienced by those in need.

in great want

Emphasizes the lack of essential resources or necessities, suggesting a state of deprivation.

in a state of crisis

Indicates a critical situation that requires immediate intervention.

severely deprived

Highlights the lack of basic necessities and the resulting hardship.

gravely deficient

Focuses on the severe lack of essential resources or support.

facing destitution

Emphasizes the potential for extreme poverty and hardship.

FAQs

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

You can use "in extreme need" to describe individuals, communities, or even organizations that require urgent assistance due to a lack of essential resources. For example: "The aid organization is dedicated to helping refugees "in extreme need" of medical care".

What are some alternatives to "in extreme need"?

Alternatives include "in dire straits", "in desperate circumstances", or "badly in need". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in extreme and urgent need"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "in extreme and urgent need" can be redundant. The word "extreme" already implies a high degree of urgency. Consider using just ""in extreme need"" or choosing a different phrase that emphasizes both severity and urgency.

What's the difference between "in great need" and "in extreme need"?

"In great need" suggests a significant lack or deficiency. "In extreme need", on the other hand, implies a more critical situation where the lack of resources poses an immediate threat to well-being or survival. The latter is a more emphatic expression.