most in need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most in need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a person or thing that is in the greatest need, or the greatest amount of need. For example: "The nonprofit organization provides aid to those most in need all over the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what about farmers most in need?

The Guardian

Traditionally, social housing was intended for those most in need.

The Guardian

This should be focused on those most in need.

The Guardian

She said they would defend those most in need.

Independent

We will go further for communities most in need.

The Washington Post

"The tenants were from abroad and the most in need.

The Guardian - Money

Where are the areas most in need of assistance?

The Guardian

Reaching those most in need is a major challenge.

The Guardian

Their goal was to simplify and better target support to those individuals most in need.

Harvard University

Be active world citizens in the provision of health care to those most in need.

Stanford University

Those most in need already face too many obstacles to quality care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about resource allocation, use "most in need" to clearly identify the primary beneficiaries of aid or assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "most in need" to imply a moral judgment about who 'deserves' help. Focus objectively on the severity of need, not perceived merit or worthiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most in need" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (often implied, such as "people" or "those"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly identifies individuals or groups experiencing the greatest hardship or requiring immediate assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most in need" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to identify individuals, groups, or areas requiring the greatest assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across various contexts and registers, from news reports to academic research. When using this phrase, focus on objectively describing the severity of need, avoiding subjective judgments about deservingness. Consider related phrases like "most vulnerable" or "greatest need" to fine-tune your message. Remember that while similar to "of greatest need", the phrase "most in need" typically refers to the individuals or groups.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most vulnerable

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or difficulty.

greatest need

Emphasizes the magnitude of the requirement.

most disadvantaged

Highlights the unfavorable circumstances affecting individuals or groups.

worst off

Indicates the state of being in the most difficult or unfortunate situation.

most deprived

Stresses the lack of essential resources or opportunities.

most impoverished

Highlights the state of extreme poverty.

in direst straits

Emphasizes the severity of the difficult situation.

most distressed

Focuses on the emotional or psychological suffering.

those struggling the most

Highlights the act of facing difficulties or hardships.

those with the highest needs

Focuses on the extent of the requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "most in need" to describe individuals, groups, or areas that require the greatest assistance or attention. For example, "The charity focuses its efforts on those "most in need" of food and shelter."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "most in need"?

Alternatives include "most vulnerable", "greatest need", or "most disadvantaged". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "those most in need"?

Yes, "those most in need" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted way to refer to people who are experiencing the greatest hardship or require the most assistance.

What is the difference between "most in need" and "of greatest need"?

While similar, "most in need" typically refers to individuals or groups, whereas "of greatest need" can also describe situations or resources. For example, "The hospital is "of greatest need" of ventilators."